Peanut M&Ms by Zoe D.
I believe in sharing Peanut M&Ms. And the golden rule. Treat everyone how you want to be treated; because someday, you might find yourself having less.
For a good portion of my life, I was an only child. I received all of the perks: attention, the constant help, and guidance that came with every minor problem. But I didn't learn fundamental lessons because I never needed to. I didn't understand what the words ¨share¨ or ¨be nice¨ meant. And that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, it just wasn't something I needed to know at the time.
One distinct memory that lives in my mind is sharing with my grandfather. He was a hardworking man who believed in traditional values; especially sharing. We were watching one of his favorite shows, and he sat me down on the counter while grabbing a snack. He picked out Peanut M&Ms, which he thought were my favorite. I heard the scattering of the M&Ms pouring out into a yellow cup while the show began. He was preoccupied watching the show, not realizing how I was eating the M&Ms. By the time he went to grab one, I said, ¨Pappy, you can have the rest!¨ And to his surprise, I ate the chocolate off of every M&M, and left the peanuts behind. He laughed, surprised at my idea of sharing. That's when he sat me down and genuinely talked to me about the importance of giving.
¨Zoe, one day you are going to have to share. You're not in trouble, but it's always good to consider others, especially the less fortunate.¨
I have always internalized his words. Not in a negative way, but to carry out my actions with intention, even if it's as simple as sharing. Now that I'm older, I can add onto his words to complete a full thought. Even though sharing is important, and should be done out of kindness, remember that even though you might not always feel like sharing, there may come a day where you are the less fortunate one. In these times you would have wished someone shared their grace or mercy with you.
In my life now, I make an intentional effort to share. After my brother was born, I shared toys and attention. And now, I share with friends. We’ll take turns driving places and occasionally paying for each other. And that's completely fine. My friends will pay for me next time. It's more or less about the amount, but about balance; between being generous and helping others. And who knows, that good karma might come back around to help you someday.
