Magic Words to make the world a better place

We live in a time where the general attitude is: “each one for him or herself!” Yet, if you take the time to think about all the people in your life, you will realise that there are many who do not live by this philosophy. People who go out of their way to help, support and encourage others. People who are willing to make big sacrifices for the benefit of others they know like friends, colleagues, parents, family members or even those they do not know. In most cases they prefer for their kindness not to be named. However, should you speak the magic words to these unselfish people it will light up their lives and be exactly what they need to carry on. The magic words are: “Thank you”.rnThere is an ancient story of a slave with the name of Androcles who lived in Roman times. His master was cruel to him and one day he escaped. He went into a nearby forest and hid in a cave. What he didn’t know, though, was that the cave was actually the den of a huge lion. After a while in the cave, Androcles heard the roar of a lion and tried to escape, but the lion was already in the entrance. Androcles thought it was the end of his life. To his surprise however, instead of attacking him, the lion limped to the side of the cave and made little whining noises. When Androcles saw this, he went to the lion, lifted his paw and saw that in the inflamed and swollen paw a huge thorn had embedded itself. Androcles removed the thorn, forced pus from the wound and dressed it as best as he could. The wound healed completely. From that day forward Androcles and the lion shared the cave. rnThe lion even shared his food with the former slave. After living together for a few years, Androcles decided to go back to society. However, when he was recognised, he was arrested and taken to the theatre to be devoured by wild animals. On the day of his execution in the arena, the hungry animals were set loose. Amongst the other animals was a huge lion who stopped and smelt the air. He then ran to Androcles and licked his hand and rubbed his giant head against Androcles – it was his old friend! The crowd was astonished and the governor was so amazed by what he saw that he decreed that both should be set free. Thus Androcles and the lion received their freedom, all because the lion showed his gratitude despite his natural instinct to seek food. To whom in your life are you really grateful for what they have done for you? It may be small acts of kindness or it may be big deeds of sacrifice. Whatever it may be, have you thanked them for it? Make these magic words and the attitude of gratitude towards others, a normal part of your day. Use them frequently and you will encourage both others and yourself not live selfishly, but to continue to help others in need and thus make the world a better place.