Random Musings: A gut reaction

Some times you act on instinct, a gut reaction before you even think.

I had to be in Sydney at the Queen Victoria Building for work this week. I was up on an early flight and the function I was attending didn't start till a little later which gave me enough time to nip into Haigh's chocolates to buy some nice Easter gifts. It took serious focus to make quick decisions and get on my way but I was ably assisted by one of the very lovely staff members as I picked out options from the huge selection.

If you have been to Haigh's you will know that they always offer you a chocolate sample when you buy something. Being 8am and knowing I was about to tuck into eggs and bacon I turned the offer down - I know, in hindsight I'm shocked and amazed at my restraint. But I was saved by the thoughtful assistant who instead packaged me up quite a generous sample of broken Easter egg in a little bag which I immediately imagined eating on the plane on my way home..

I headed up to the gorgeous tea room, sat through an inspiring presentation and had a delicious breakfast before heading back outside to grab a cab.

But as I stepped out of the glorious building that is the QVB, I was struck by the sight of a homeless woman begging near the entrance. She was sitting, head bowed, with an air of abject misery. As a cab pulled up, the thought of my package of sample chocolate suddenly occurred to me so I quickly thrust it into her hand.

Her smile was fantastic. Yes, it was just a little pack of broken pieces of chocolate but in that moment it lit her up.

The presentation I had been to was on philanthropy and the point had been made that the act of giving is as much a benefit for the giver as it is for the receiver and I know that my split second decision to give away my chocolate really did make me feel good. It is a little reminder that it doesn't take much to spread some happiness.

Generosity in all shapes and sizes

As I walked into the city today to meet my fabulous mother and sister for a spot of shopping, I saw a young girl busking, but I was in a hurry to meet them so I didn't pay much attention to her.

However as I walked back to work I really noticed her.  She was young, maybe 10, playing the guitar and singing just beautifully.  As I went by she was playing the Leonard Cohen song "Hallelujah".  She was fantastic, her playing was great and her voice lovely.

But the thing that really made her special was the sign she had propped up in front which read "Hi, I'm Lucy.  All proceeds will go to the flood appeal".  She had obviously painted the sign herself and her guitar case was brimming full of coins and plenty of notes.  I would guess she had made several hundred dollars for the flood appeal.

I am so proud of this country of ours and the many ways that people have helped with the disasters unfolding around us.  From the stories of the thousands of volunteers turning up to help clean in Brisbane, to the businesses and community groups fundraising, to individual efforts like Lucy's where she gave up a day of her school holidays and her busking income, Australians have been overwhelming in their generosity.

But I do have an extra space in my heart for kids like Lucy.  It isn't easy helping a cause as a kid, lets face it you don't really have access to many resources beyond your own ingenuity.  So seeing a kid work out a way to do their bit is just that extra bit meaningful and reminds us that we can all contribute to making this world a better place.

This is a fantastic country and as distressing as events have been recently, it has also gone to show just how strong, resilient and community minded we really are.  Well done everyone!