This is not a story I invented, not a story about getting rich, but it is a story of gratitude without expecting something in return.

In our country, the Philippines, it is evident that there are many beggars out in the streets, and many people forbid giving money to them. Once, my friend told me, “There’s no harm in giving. At the least, you gave something to make them happy. Whatever they do to the money you gave, either they spend it on food or something else, it’s up to them. I have money, so I give what I can, even if I don’t have something to give, I’ll find what I can give. I won’t lose anything, it’s their decision if they’ll spend it in a wrong way.” I admit that before she said this to me, I always hesitate to give. Most people here in the Philippines would fool you just to get something from you. But because of my friend, I thought, when I give willingly, it doesn’t matter if they fool you or not. If they do, who’s fooled?

On January 19, 2013, when I was about to meet a friend named Geneva, I rode the jeepney (a vehicle for transportation) to get in our meeting place. Before I went out, I said to myself, “This is going to be a good day no matter what!”

Inside the jeepney, after I paid the driver, a man entered giving envelopes to passengers with some writing at the back. I didn’t read it because I knew what it already meant. Two women beside me didn’t even touch the papers. They said “no” to the man. The man didn’t force them. I was already looking for coins in my bag when the man passed me the envelope. I couldn’t find any coins, so I gave paper money instead. I knew my money was just enough for me to go for the day. But because I have money, why not share it? I gave the man a 20 peso bill. I looked up to him, he was happy and said thank you three times. I smiled at him. He had only one hand. I was thankful I have two. This man should get more than I do. I have every blessing I need, that’s what matters, and I’m just giving back to others what’s been given to me, because it’s what they need. I was happy when I saw the man smile. It made my day.

I came to meet Geneva in McDonald’s, and she was with her father. We need to buy paintings for our project, so we went to Tiendesitas in Pasig. We chose paintings that are original and right for our project. I expect the bigger painting to be priced at 4000, while Geneva’s choice at 1500. Then unexpectedly, magic worked. The man selling the paintings gave us discount! The paintings I bought for 300 each were reduced to 250 each without me asking for discounts. While the 4000 cost painting was reduced to 3500! That was so much magic! Geneva, without noticing hers, as I checked the receipt, hers was reduced to 1000! The seller was so thankful for us buying in his shop that he gave us discounts.

After we bought all the things we needed, I have excess 2000 pocket money on me. I thought of buying my precious friend named Ava a gift. I was so thankful to her because she treats me not just as a friend, but also as a sister. I adore her so much that whenever I see something that reminds me of her, I won’t miss the chance to buy it. Even just buying things for her makes me super happy. Then when I arrived home in my condo, I messaged her with Viber. Amazingly, she told me, she got something for me, too! It’s how The Magic of a single smile worked for the day!

It just doesn’t end there. I thought I was going back in my province, Pampanga by riding a bus the next day. But as you guessed it, yes, The Magic worked again. Geneva messaged me, she’s going to Pampanga early as well, so she’s going to pick me up instead. Then, I don’t need to spend money on my way home, right?

It was one of my luckiest day! A smile is worth a thousand gratitudes. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

“Giving opens up the door to receiving”
– The Secret Daily Teachings, Day 149 by Rhonda Byrne