I returned here recently from a city where I could walk down the street all day and not one person would return my greeting. Since I've been here my faith in mankind has been restored. This is majorly important, as I have serious problems with depression.
I sleep near Value Village on Capitol Hill. I get up every morning before the sun rises, pack my stuff, and then clean up all litter in front of the store. After that, I go out and try to find some good in the world. It's not always easy, but I find if I just say something silly, or if I just pay a compliment, I get a smile; and that's what life is about for me these days... that smile.
I find that small acts of kindness pay out in the long run; people do nice things for me. But beyond that, just knowing that I made someone's life a little brighter is priceless. Since I've returned to Seattle, I see how people react to small acts of kindness and it's just beautiful; it certainly has done a lot for my state-of-mind. Seattle rocks!!! You can make a difference in someone's life by just giving them a compliment, because it does bring a smile. Now my life doesn't seem hopeless. In fact, it seems beautiful. I have purpose now, more than ever before. I cause happiness, my god smiles on me because of it, and I am really grateful.
I am unemployable because of bipolar disorder. I am generally a very sad person. But I just want Seattle to know that I really appreciate their kindness and civility. It's changing my heart and my life one smile at a time.
When I got my first set of Real Change, I stood in front of a store that had loud techno music playing and I felt so good it just made me start dancing... and that's not cool, 'cause I can't dance. But what was amazing is the reaction I got from people ... the smiles and the laughter. I could feel the love for mankind that has been missing for so long... And for that Seattle, I love you and I thank you! My name is Jonathan, and I look forward to seeing you smile. Pay it forward!!
--Jonathan Arevalo