A 5 minute interaction with a stranger that changed my life.
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 4 фев 2024
- My newsletter🍦→ www.nathanieldrew.com/newsletter
Instagram → / nathanieldrew_
Listen to the audio version of the podcast → anchor.fm/nobackupplan
My online courses → www.nathanieldrew.com/onlinec...
Patreon → / nathanieldrew
My gear 📷 → www.nathanieldrew.com/my-gear
As a person who used to be homeless and now lives comfortably in a townhome, I’ll say that the world needs more people like you. Sometimes people are homeless at no fault of their own, and everyone needs help at times in one way or another. Thank you for being a kind light to the world. 🖤
Even when it may be considered to be "though fault" - no-one sets out to end up homeless, it's a miserable state to be in, and not easy to change. I agree - thanks for being such a kind light in the world.
You are a light too. I'm glad you made it.
@@eisvogel8099thank you so much, that means a lot. ❤
I’d say most homeless people are there by no fault of their own.
I had a similar situation. Not that I am homeless but my car broke in the middle of winter at -15C~ -20C. And a truck guy passing by stopped and asked if I needed help. I told him "Yes" of course. I was expecting that he might call for some kind of support, but he spent more than an hour helping me to move the car and push to a secure area, my car did stop in an overpass to get into the highway. I cannot explain here how difficult it was with the cold and the snow to move my vehicle. Anyway at the end I asked him what I do for him, and may pay for his kindness and support. He says "No, absolutely no", but there is one thing you can do. and I immediately say yes of course. What do you want? , Then he told me if I ever encountered a stranger on the street who needed help, return the favour. Which I did.
Pay it forward
Last month I had the privilege of anonymously buying an elderly man’s groceries. It made him feel good, it made me feel good, and it touched two store employees as well. One employee said that this kind act restored her faith in humanity.
If you'd like the privilege of buying my groceries, I will allow you to maintain your anonymity. Would you like my bank details?
Compassion, empathy, and random acts of kindness are what the world needs more of.
And they make the giver have the best BEST end of the deal!
In short you discovered the meaning of life that day. Success is not accumulating money but having what you need and getting joy from sharing with others. I hope this video inspires others to find the same joy.
What else that money can buy would cause that brilliantly intense feeling of well being?
He likely isn't going to sell the food. I find that the poorest tend to share everything they have. May we all demonstrate the compassion you have shared. The giver gets as much joy as the receiver.
Even if he did sell the food, some need the booze or drugs more desperately . 1)You can’t control others. 2) a gift should not have conditions attached. Otherwise it’s bartering.
I remember exiting a grocery store, and being stopped by a man who wanted food. I gave him an apple and an orange that I had just bought and he was thrilled beyond belief. He ate almost half the apple before he could get the thank you out. That’s true starvation and it’s horrifying that it’s in this country
It's horryfying everywhere.
What’s living in this country have to do with it?
@@lyndabrown3402 if we are a prosperous country and we like to believe we are, then people shouldn’t be starving in the streets.
I remember stepping outside a grocery store after buying the fixings for a quick dinner and a homeless asked for food. I had purchased a roasted chicken and sides along with a some munchies, a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter. I just gave him the bag and went back into the store. I’m not rich but that small purchase was something I could afford and I realized that even though I found it challenging to make ends meet, it could be worse. We need to help others when we can.
It really doesn’t matter what they do with the money. Maybe they will have a moment of relief from their struggles. Or, just go get them some food. Some people are really struggling, It can happen to just about anyone. It’s so nice to have a warm bed to go home to. Some of us do not realize how incredibly fortunate we are.
I always help the homeless because here in America, society doesn’t do right by them on any level. In the mid ‘80s I was an art student in NYC and one evening a woman stopped me and asked for a quarter (worth about 75 cents today). All I had was a $10 bill so I handed it to her. It wasn’t that much to me because I could make 10 bucks at my waitressing job in less than an hour but for her it was incredible. She shook and cried, and thanked me over and over. I told her, “it’s okay, you deserve it” which made her cry even harder because honestly that’s it, isn’t it? The homeless get the message every which way to Sunday that they don’t deserve a damn thing in the US. It kills my heart a little bit just thinking about it.
WELL SAID.💯👏👏👏🔥🔥🙌✊️🥰❤️😊
This form of storytelling, a quiet, slow, natural narration is truly wonderful. It's just like sitting down and letting the person across from you simply tell you a story. It makes the impact of the words so much more meaningful. Please keep up this style 🙏
Yes! More please!
In the '70's I was a skinny student in NYC. One day on my way to the subway, I saw a homeless woman sitting on the curb and offered her my sandwich. I had not noticed her size until she told me "Thank you, but I think you need it more than I do", and she would not take my sandwich. Fifty + yrs later, I am still amazed at her response.
Sounds like it might just have been pride talking, perhaps trying to mask feeling embarrassed by the state of her condition 🫤 a defense.
“It shouldn’t come with any idea or expectation of anything in return”….totally sums up the art of generosity! So many RUclipsrs give while filming the recipient’s reactions. You did it right! It was done privately. On his behalf, my sincere thanks!
It turned from fear to "I see a human in need." If you can help someone, why not?
A much needed message these days. Compassion has become so rare in this increasingly narcissistic world.
To me it is not so rare it is more that it is private or the media just doesn't think it is newsworthy?
This is a reupload because there was a glitch in the original video. My bad! Hope you enjoy this storytime. More to come soon!
I don’t know at what age this man was, but what if you would find a homeless man, who is young, not addicted, who sounds sensible (not delusional, unhinged, etc.), but he would wholeheartedly ask you to help him get out of this situation. What would you do?
@@pawelzabicki7785 I myself would do the same thing. I've seen youth on the streets, thrown out of their houses for being gay, 15, 16, 17 years of age. I've helped area homeless the same as Nathaniel has at different ages. I also know of people who through help, got off the streets and turned their life around. We don't know their story, so how can we judge?
There is still something with the vid. It keeps pauzing! Weird
Giving should not come with attachment to the outcome. Well said!
I was unhoused for 4 years. Angels like you got me through..
Thank you, very imactful; to the man, his friends, the cashier, and everyone who watches this.
I've been housed 3 years now; with a lock on my door!
I think a lot of us have been taught not to give homeless people money because of what they might use it for. But giving with strings attached isn't true giving; it's transactional. "If I give them *this* then maybe they will do *that*." Respecting people's right to choose how to take care of themselves is, I feel, an important and often forgotten principle of charity. By respecting them in this way, you are treating them as a full and equal human being.
In this interaction, you made a human connection not only by going beyond the man's expectations, but also by engaging with his needs. You let him choose the groceries he wanted. You placed no expectation or moral burden on him. As a result, I think this interaction unfolded in a way that was more beautiful and life-affirming to you both than if you'd just handed him 73€ on the street.
Beautifully said 😊
I completely agree.
People throw around the term “storytelling” a lot right now but this right here is actually what it is, and you are a true master at it thank you for sharing
I agree completely. Either I'm giving or I'm not. I hate hearing people say "here's £10 but spend it on something useful not drugs not alcohol". I've heard my own friends and family have this interaction with people. It's nothing to do with us what someone does with money, given freely. It's so patronising to dictate what someone does with their resources.
You are right on. Who are we to decide what is right for someone else? That includes uses of substances we might not approve of or agree with. I know that’s a stretch, but how many great leaders have backstories of struggle, overcoming addiction, etc.?
What if there is a reason for everything? Our inability to perceive a much larger picture doesn’t make our judgment of another person’s situation or behavior right.
Kindness is the way.
Nathan I think one important thing I’ve taken away from this is the impact that our trust has on other people. As you say when we let our guard down.
It’s unfortunate that we live in a time where we constantly have to watch our backs in expectation that our kindness may be exploited.
But sometimes the conspicuous trust and kindness has to be given before it’s received. You’ve reminded me that I’d like to be the one to break this cycle. Thanks for the story as always.
I think this topic is timeless not just related to our time.
There are times where you become a passenger in your own body and a higher power takes over. When you said that you don't know what came over you in the shop, you might have experienced that.
Many times when we feel called to do things out of the ordinary or unexpectedly and we surrender control, it is by design from something greater than ourselves. It's amazing when it happens.
God used you to help another person. It's wonderful when people surrender to His will and glorify Him. If you aren't a child of God, I believe when His Spirit comes upon you He's inviting you to seek His Son Jesus. The only way to receive eternal salvation is through Jesus Christ. I encourage you to seek and understand the Gospel, then surrender your life to Him. God bless 🙌🙌🙌❤❤❤
I was thinking the same thing but you worded it so perfectly!
I never forget the people I've helped. I try to do one "big" help once a year. in 2023 I managed to have enough spare cash to buy/gift the local foodbank $500 worth of food and supplies (like diapers, womens products, tooth brushes and tooth paste, soap etc). But the one homeless man I will never forget is when I took a stroll downtown in my city and was heading to my favourite pizza place. It was one of the first really cool nights in Fall (I am in Canada so you just know its going to get colder) and I still sat outside with my pizza slice on the patio of this restaurant. I was waiting because I know the homeless normally walk on this street and was waiting for someone or a group of people to walk buy. Eventually an older man walked by and I asked him if he wanted a slice of pizza. So I bought him a whole meal - drink, side and pizza slices and he said: I know you just bought me food so this might be too much to ask but can you stay with me and chat?
All he truly wanted was someone to talk to, the hot meal on a cool night (2 degrees) was just bonus. We chatted for a good hour and a half. He was a veteran, he didn't serve long but when he returned from service his wife left him with his only son and he never saw his son again. He saw his wife a while later but she wouldn't even stop to chat. He left that city because he didn't want to bother running into them and decided to start a new life. He met someone but he couldn't remarry. He cared for her deeply but always felt guilty. She passed away and he was homeless ever since because he got into alcohol. He was clean when I met him but he was so used to life on the street that he didn't want to take government handouts anymore to get a place to live, he rather would see the younger folks and families get shelter and he said: "I will just survive". Turns out when I mentioned his name to some friends that he is actually a well known homeless man in the area (Earl). He died 2 years after that interaction and he actually had an article in the paper about his time in the city I live in. But I was glad that for one night, he had someone to talk to and listen to his story.
I wouldn't be surprised if he recalls your interaction often with fondness.
That was beautiful, you were blessed to have that experience, everyone has a story I am so happy you listened to his story , makes you look at life differently I bet ! My story was I had been diagnosed with cancer at 38 and went through months of treatment but all the people I met along the way was actually a blessing for me all these strangers who help me along my journey I will never forget it
I hope so!@@mvbergieb
That happened to me one time - invited a homeless guy in the parking lot to go into walmart with me. poor guy had shoes badly worn out - hardly staying on. Asked him what he needed - said maybe some cereal and milk. Told him to also pick out some shoes. He only got the cereal and milk plus one other thing. Totally did not want to take more. Made me feel good that he didn't take advantage and that I could help in a small way. Thank you for sharing your story.
You are really owning this new style of storytelling. 10 min no music, no B-roll, but hooked every second! May I ask what filter/camera/effect you are using on your recent videos to make them look more vintage? I would love to try that in my videos.
Man, agreed!! The restraint in the editing… he’s really showing his talent as an engaging story-teller and communicator. Loved this video…
probably Dehancer for FCP
It’s Dehancer guys !
Yeah man. It's kinda like Jazz, where all the beauty is in the notes he's not playing.
Maybe it isn't Dehancer. Could be Serr's Filmvision II since both of them use a Fuji XH2s
My friend and I did a 2 month long hitchhiking trip through Europe back in 2018. The energy with which we approached the whole thing was first and foremost open. We received so much help, so much openness, so much kindness, that it just couldn't leave us unaffected. We ended up taking that energy into our home (we shared a flat with friends), where we welcomed guests, travellers, friends, friends of friends etc for the years to come.
The exchange of energy that happens when people are genuine and open is unbelievable. It touches you so deeply and is never forgotten.❤
I am now 79 years of age and from the UK. When I was 21, I hitch hiked across France and Iberia, and then the Atlantic. I spent time in the US, that is when the war in Vietnam was the main topic of thought and conversations by Americans, my age. Most of them were scared of being called into the armed forces and sent to Vietnam, and they were somewhat ashamed of their home country.
The most often asked question of me, was, ''What do you think of the USA?'' They were expecting a negative answer. When I told them how much I was enjoying myself, and how kind everyone was to me, they asked me '''who?'' Then, to their surprise, I would answer it was people like themselves.
That is when their faces would light up, and they would invite me to their homes, give me a meal, invite me to stay at their homes, and show me around their town. The American people I met could not be nicer or kinder.
@@ianb5949 yeah, it's really all about how you approach people, or anything really. Intention changes everything. Positivity is contagious :)
A Time of Gifts.
Giving without attachment is the only true way to give. It feels so good to make someone's day❤
Just imagine the impact of one act of kindness makes...I'm happy that you saw the gift.
Thank you for sharing this story. My father was homeless in Paris in the 80’s and people like you are truly angels. I suppose it was a bit easier back then because he was able to become a student to get himself back on his feet. Hopefully that month of meals will give that man more energy to provide for himself in different ways. Sometimes when we are stuck on survival mode there is nothing else that has a greater focus. The blessing you gave was an opportunity to focus on living and not just surviving.
Loved your story of selflessness. You'd make a great teacher of "truths". Don't forget to put this story in your Gratitude Journal.😅
A great example of a Holy instant between two souls who both had a chance to see the real person behind the faces we show the world, and the prejudices we hold, no matter what side of the perceived spectrum we stand on.
This is a really beautiful and honest video. The simple willingness to help another human in need is strong in all of us but we ignore it, seems like the guy was in genuine need. This is what is lost in our society. You did the right thing ❤
I absolutely adore the way you tell stories and analyze these kinds of interactions. In Ecuador is also really common to see homeless people on the streets and it it heartwrenching for me, because even though I'm not in an extremely privileged position I still have that desire to help people but most of the time I can't because I don't have enough resources. I won't forget one time when I was passing by a grocery store and there was a man with his wife (I suppose) and their little kid and dog sitting outside, and something within me made me enter the grocery store and buy some food for them, it felt really nice to have done that and they also thanked me a lot. I wished I could do that more often. Thank you, Nathaniel, for sharing this interaction with us.
Apparently I needed a good cry today 😭 lol Such a beautiful story! It is true, a very small amount of money can go a really long way in a lot of people's lives. I think it's so beautiful that he was getting necessities and thinking of the people closest to him! I've been in a lot of horrifying circumstances myself, and anytime someone randomly gifted me something that I really needed in that moment, was a miracle to me! It's so important that we help one another when we can 🤗 thank you for sharing! ❤
"The energy in the interaction matters a lot", that's what I was thinking all along as well, I too, had a few fortunate moments where I helped people with money or even with just my guidance and time, because an elderly person (tourist) who didn't speak Dutch or English very well was lost and looking for his wife. I also believe that being generous and giving is great, when it feels right in that moment and in the capacity you have. Amazing story Nathan, as always actually. 😉 Thanks for this.
You didn’t lose 73 euros. You gained a new friend whose life you changed - You gained a treasure.
A great example of where giving is receiving! ❤
as someone who writes but would like to make videos i could tell you that you dont need to write a book, this videos are your books, and filming is your craft! Keep doing it!
Giving with a pure heart gives more pleasure than receiving 😊
This just made my day. You’ve encouraged me to do the same very shortly. I’m heading to Brooklyn to visit my family soon. God bless you!
I learned that money is no solution. But one can not send a person away without food. However, one time we were really disappointed by two homeless boys in Brazil (8 and 13 maybe?). We went with them to buy some packaged stuff from the bakery. And later we noticed them going back to the bakery returning the packaged items for cash to buy glue for sniffing. After this experience we made it a habit to always carry a bag of bread rolls and other stuff handing out food for the kids (many of them). The really hungry kids would even gladly take leftovers 😞 . Lately someone in Germany asked me for money to buy food. I offered to go to the shop with her, which was like 20m/60ft away, and pay for the food. She only wanted money and refused that offer. Guess the need was not so big after all. But you can't, absolutely can't let a person walk away hungry if you ever want to be able to face yourself in the mirror again.
or cold.
I feel this way, too.
I literally had a similar experience three days ago but I didn’t tell anyone cause £50 is still significant but it was more significant for this man who’d get shelter for the night. I just hope he was honest about approaching me. And I wasn’t a target cause I was just out in my head for a walk
this was phenomenal, thank you. Often my interactions with strangers are some of the most poignant and important moments in my life. I'm a huge believer in serendipity, and the idea that things happen for a reason. You were meant to meet this man, and I'm sure, you changed his life as much as he changed yours.
Good comment🙏
My dad taught me that 'giving' was important in life. I continue with this today. It was heartwarming to hear you discuss this interaction. I pray the impact of your random act of kindness and compassion continues to inspire others to do what they can.
Your story actually reminds me of this verse in the bible:
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. - Matthew 6:2-4
No good deed goes unpunished - Oscar Wilde. True.
I found that very moving, it actually made me feel quite emotional.
It makes you realize you can't help everyone but it's worth it to help at least one person if you can.
Thank you so much Nate for sharing this story in all its heartfelt simplicity. Your story highlights perfectly how subtracting things from our lives can be the best way to improve them, and something we often overlook. I’m 41 now running a small farm in Sweden and caring for my family but in the 20s I spent many years living as an artist in Paris. I quit art school to pursue sign writing and spent my days walking the streets with a bag of brushes and paints trying to find work painting signs and windows for bistros, restaurants and bars. I remember one encounter very vividly. It was early evening and I had just finished a sign for a small restaurant in Montmartre. The owner payed for the work and sent me off with a sandwich. A few days earlier I had noticed a women living under a couple of big umbrellas that she had made into a tent near the place de Clichy. I took the short walk to see if she was still there. She was. I gave her the sandwich and wished her a good evening all the while she was thanking me profusely. Walking home to my little room in Pigalle I was in tears. A mixture of being incredible grateful for the opportunities and wealth that I possessed in comparison to her, and also a guilt and anger at why some people are so miss fortunate to not even have a safe place to sleep and food to eat. This memory has stuck with me ever since. Now I try to donate as many eggs as I can from our farm to families facing economic adversity. I’m not rich in any financial sense but what I’ve realized that remembering my humanity is more important than the false sense of security that more money in the bank provides. I am blessed to have a place to call home, a loving family and food to eat. The cherry on the cake is knowing you can make a difference, to yourself and others around you. In that sense I feel I’m living an incredibly successful life. Thanks for sharing your story and letting me remember this about my life. All the best from a fan and fellow RUclipsr ❤
This was such an incredible thing to do! You did what your heart told you to do, what he does with it isn’t your burden. Thank you for making my day with your story. ☺️
Beautifully told, with a raw honesty. You said 'remember your humanity in moments that count' and I'm going to try my best to do that - to notice those moments rather than being too busy to see them.
Such a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing ❤
The most important gift you gave was compassion. Thank you for your beautiful story.
I don't watch a lot of RUclips videos all the way to the end these days, but your story kept my attention all the way. It's a "small step for man, but a big step for mankind" kind of a story. Thanks for sharing!
Absoluely loved this bro! Thanks for sharing!!
I'm sure we have differing views on a lot of things, but story hit home. All I can say is, bravo. Well done, sir. The world needs more of this right now. Thanks for sharing.
I once heard something to the effect of, "a lot of people are one bad day away from homelessness, and don't even realize it." I think that is very true, and the more we make things like energy more expensive, the more true it becomes.
It was because it was an honest interaction that made you feel viscerally good, because in reality you got more back than you gave him; and what he gave you had far more value than money. He gave you wisdom through a lens refracted by both light and life. However, you both had generosity of spirit and the inner warmth of compassion.
That's awesome, I love that you did that. Little gestures of kindness go a long way. It feel good to help people.
Thank you for helping that man when he needed you.❤
Nathaniel, you voice so many of the same thoughts I have when I encounter homeless people! What a great video - thanks for choosing this topic among the millions of others possible to make a video on. I love your introspection and honesty, and how you so often are able to, as you say, "take a big step back" and look at things from a bigger perspective. Keep up the great work!
I loved that story! Thanks for sharing. And beautiful backdrop and coloring as well.
What an absolutely beautiful and moving story! I think homeless people frighten the rest of us, not because they are dangerous, but because their situation is unimaginable and frightening to most of us. Thank you for helping that man! I’m 76 now, but I was ill and a hair’s breadth away from homelessness around age 50ish. I was forever changed by the experience!
Perhaps we are on the cusp of big changes in this world, that we will be seeing and recognizing the common humanity we all share. It could be any one of us in this man’s shoes. Homelessness is an epidemic that we can resolve. We simply have to find the desire to!🦋
This touch of humanity likely means more to the individual than just the food...
On the flip side (& I agree one should give without any expectation of return) I was in Ireland & doing a job where I had earned a lot of cash. A woman came up to me & asked me for some money for food. Without hesitation I gave her a €10 note, which I’m 100% was not a regular occurrence for her. She didn’t say so much as thank you before saying: “I need money for shoes too”. I was less than kind & said: “If you’d at least thanked me for the €10 I might’ve considered giving you more”. It was bizarre to me that she expressed no gratitude at all - completely the opposite of what happened in this story - the man didn’t want to appear greedy or to be exploiting your generosity & as a result his gratitude spurred you on to greater kindness. Gratitude is everything.
You fed your own soul and didn't realize how hungry it was till after you did it and how satisfying it was once you were done.
Thank you for sharing - beautiful story.
I am amazed at how those with so little (possessions/food/comforts) share and look out for each other.
The capacity for compassion to meet vunerability is a gift for the receiver and the giver and everyone in the community - to be in common unity.
beautiful ! thank you for both having helped and for sharing this timely story !
Deeply touched by this video. I don’t have a comment story to share but want to thank you for this video and take it along with me in thoughts when I am interacting with people with the hopes of staying open and compassionate with all.
Great story of humanity in a big city! Thanks for sharing this lovely act of kindness with us Nathaniel and I am sure it will inspire many other acts of kindness around the world 🙏❤
Thank you for your humanity and compassion! You’re a good man!
You instinctually knew in that moment in the store that it was the right thing to do, to help out this man whom you have crossed paths as much as you can.
Great story, Nathaniel. You did a great deed.
Looking forward to the next story time!
Thank you for not only sharing this story (I found it profound) but also for your kindness and gratitude. It's my experience that there is Always a reason people "pop into" our lives.
This interaction will alter you, even in a small way, for ever. Gracias from Panama. ❤
I love this story. I felt my eyes welling up with tears at the first trip to the cashier. L O L. As hard as it is for people to be approached, “annoyed “, bombarded with people, asking them for something on a daily basis, It’s far more difficult to be the person asking. I always think of the humility It takes to ask people for money. And yes, perhaps some of those people use it for drugs or whatever. And while I do feel a zing of guilt when I cannot give to every single person that asks me, I do respond and give them an answer that gives them a bit of dignity. I love this video. You’re a good person, Nathaniel.❤
This story was beautifully told. The minimalist pace, the low voice, the one shot, the stillness of it all. It made the story even more impactful. We often forget the little things we take for granted. I don’t eat tuna - I am allergic. But I have the privilege to eat something else instead.
Boubakar’s positivity despite his hardship broke my heart a little.
I think I’m rumbling. That’s the effect this video had on me. Thank you
I love that you took the time to really see this man. I think that’s so important. 😊
Thank you for sharing such profound wisdom. I have always felt it was not my responsibility to decide what others do with my gifts. When I give it is freely given. What they do with it is not my concern. ❤❤❤
Today I saw your post as it came across my feed. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and your ❤
It’s noteworthy that you have keys in your decor and chose to light candles. It appears to me that you may be interested in opening doors and shining light on things.
May you live long and continue to prosper.
This is a wonderful story, a little reminder that we can all make a huge difference in the world. You are so inspiring and took action while others complain or blame. I love your heart and how you choose to live life, present and intentional ❤
Such a wholesome interaction, there's a lot of homeless in big cities and one obviously can't help everyone that asks but at certain, more special interactions it can be truly rewarding to help those less fortunate. It's always worth it.
I enjoyed this story, thanks for sharing...
I love Nathan Story Time. This has definitely impacted me. Dealing with the homeless does feel a bit taboo at times but I saw an ad recently which said, 'homelessness is always what you think' and I believe that. Sometimes people are just unlucky and it's important to put ourselves in others shoes ~ things could be reversed; and if they're not, then we are simply blessed.
I don't think that I will ever accept the way the word "IMPACTED" has become a verb replacing 'affected'.
Based on my interactions with homeless, the difference made was that he asked for help, YOUSAW HIM, and offered MORE than what he asked for. It’s being seen and treated as human with compassion that gives hope. HOPE is the biggest gift on the streets. Being seen as human is a right, but not a reality. You did both. That’s what your actions said to him. I see you. You are a human like me. I see you valuable enough to invest in you. Here is hope.
Helping people in need boomerangs into a blessing for the giver. It feels amazing to help when and if you are able. Those in need ask so little and will share generously with their needy friends. At times, I believe they are vastly beyond the rich when it comes to matters of the heart and soul. I wish common man would wake up to this reality. With your help and this video...maybe they will. ❤😊
Thank you for this. A great start to my morning. I have some time off work and i haven't filled it with loads of plans. A part of me is afraid of the empty space that is usually filled with racing thoughts about work responsibilities. In this empty space is maybe a fear of feeling lonely and disconnected. This video has reminded me of how my life can be meaningful even without work or other big evenrs planned. I would like to go out into the world with an even more open heart than usual. I would like to welcome and treat my interactions with strangers in more of a special way. Less rushed. Who knows what could happen? There can be moments of connection....even with strangers. I am just usually too guarded and busy to allow these moments into my life.
I love this , thanks a lot for helping him 😢❤
Bless you, sweet gentle man.
Yes. Enjoyed this story very much. Thank you for sharing it with us. 👍🏾👋🏾😊
Good fortune for you & him. Probably shared with hungry friend so has joy of giving. Win, win, win.
Yes, you have to be very safe because some of them can harm you. We’ve had these experiences in Santa Cruz, ca. one tried to become very aggressive towards us and our son, we had to immediately walk faster into a coffee shop. I’m so glad you helped him, this is what we all need to do if we have the available resources.
Thank you for this story. The amount of joy you receive from giving from your heart is priceless ❤
That interaction is still radiating joy and love into the world.
Poverty is not because of a lack of character,it’s because of a lack of money.
Thank you! We need more people in the world like you❤
Thank you for sharing Nathaniel. You are a gem of a human being, and an inspiration to me
I love this, it’s good that you shared it. There were occasions when I would purchase food for a homeless person that my young daughter witnessed. She didn’t ever ask me why… she just saw me do it and I’m sure at some point I shared with her how important I thought it was to be kind to people.
My daughter is now in her mid-thirties and ever time I witness her do the same, my heart fills with more joy than I think it could take.
Recently on a 60th birthday trip to San Francisco she treated me to a lovely delicious Thai meal and we had plenty left over, looking forward to the leftovers that evening… but shortly after we came out of the restaurant and were walking back to the car, we saw a young man (maybe in his 40’s) sitting with his dog. We exchanged hellos and walked maybe a half block and turned to her and asked how she would feel about going back and offering him our supper. She looked a little surprised (only because I’d enjoyed the food so much and it was my birthday meal and we were looking forward to part 2)… but assured by me that it was ok, she and I walked back and offered the young man our food. He looked surprised and thanked us and said he’d share it with his pup. We told him it was Thai food and he said no matter, his dog will enjoy it! We wished him well and carried on.
We reminisced about that encounter a couple of times this last year… and although times have been tough for both of us, we are so grateful that in that moment, on that day, we could help someone else. It was a wonderful day! My only visit to San Francisco and a day I will cherish forever.
A true gift is one which is appropriate and at the right time. Good on you, this also the way I see things, as you described. It's nice to have a moment without being on guard.
Bravo! Thank you for sharing your story of compassion and generosity. Service to others is the high road.
Loved it. Thank you for sharing!
The universe always wins. Beautiful story. Thank you.
This is one of your best videos ever. Giving from the heart, benefits the person and gives you real joy. You described what transpired beautifully and what you have taken away from this experience. You're the best!
Love it! He could’ve been an angel testing you and you passed💜💜💜
Your experience warmed my heart. Thank you for this honest expression of a deeper connection to us all.
It was an important story to share, as we all need to get a little closer to compassion for others since we know the world can be a cold a cruel place.
This is beyond beautiful. What you do for him and the way you are sharing your story and his. It brings to mind how much most of us could help every day in some way.
❤
I love how a small/short moment like that impacted you so deeply; how it could influence the decisions you make in the future, could in some way change the trajectory of your life too. I can only imagine how much it impacted him/the homeless guy....