The Smile That Changed a Child's Day.😊

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Hello, dear friends in the @kindness community!💛

I'm so happy to be here with you all. I am a therapist and counselor who works closely with children—supporting them emotionally, guiding them through challenges, and helping them grow into their best selves.

This is my very first post here, and I'd love to take a moment to actually extend my humble greetings to the amazing @gregscloud and everyone who helps to make this space warm and supportive. I'm excited to actually share my experience here, to learn from yours, and to grow along you. I believe that when we support each other with kindness and uplifting encouragements, we all will grow further than we ever could alone.

Today, I want to share a true story—one that reminds me just how powerful a small act of kindness can be.

And that's exactly the smile that actually changed a child's day😊

She sat at the edge of the classroom, arms folded tightly across her chest, her eyes locked on the floor. I had seen this posture before; in fact, I'm familiar with this silence; it represents the silence storm of a child carrying more than her little shoulders were meant to bear.

Her name was Juliet.

That afternoon, she refused to join any of the group activities. While the other children danced, played, and scribbled away with crayons, Juliet didn't budge. A few classmates whispered that she was "always like that." I immediately sensed the situation, so I decided not to ask her or her classmates any questions, so she wouldn't feel embarrassed and withdraw even further. I didn't ask questions. I didn't press. I simply walked over and sat softly. She immediately turned her gaze to mine and then returned it again to her peers. I just simply whispered softly for her to hear, with a smile on my face, "You don't have to talk. I just wanted you to know I'm glad you're here."

No answer. No eye contact. Nothing.

But I stayed beside her quietly. I reached for a crayon and began to draw—not for her, just next to her. A simple flower. A smiling sun. A heart.

Then, without a word, Juliet picked up a green crayon. She drew a line beside mine.

I smiled gently. Not wide, not loud. Just enough to say, "I see you. You are safe."

That was it—the moment that changed her day. Not a grand gesture, not a therapy session. Just kindness, presence, and a smile.

By the end of the session, Mary had drawn an entire garden.

Sometimes, we think that kindness must be very huge or dramatic. But in my work, I've found that it often shows up quietly—in a soft voice, a patient pause, or a single warm smile.

That smile was the beginning of change. It wasn't asking anything of her or expecting her to act in a certain way; rather, it was just an invitation to be seen and be accepted.

The next day, Juliet actually waved at me— a small, shy wave, but filled with meaning. From that point on, she began to open up to me; actually, Juliet started talking.😊

I share my experience here today because we all have that power; the power to show love and kindness. We may not always be able to fix everything—but we can offer a smile, a kind word, or a moment of understanding. And sometimes, that's all a person truly needs.

Children carry so much that we often do not know or seen. But kindness does see beyond all of those hidden struggles; it waits. It welcomes, and it loves.

Therefore, dear friends, as we continue building this fabulous community, let's keep sharing the love, learning more kindness, and growing together. You'll never know whose day—or heart—you'll brighten with something as simple as your smile of kindness.