Maya and Jasmine Teach the Art of Intentional Sharing
The art of intentional sharing what's ours, spreading joy through it, and knowing when to receive graciously.
On the first Sunday of the new year, I headed to a cafeteria near my home to complete some writing. I noticed a couple with a little girl sitting one table away from the one I’d chosen. The little girl was named Jasmine, and played with a set of small dolls while her parents sipped their morning coffee. Little did I know this encounter would lead to a lesson on intentional sharing.
Ten minutes after I was seated, another couple walked in with a daughter of the same age. They took a seat at the empty table between Jasmine’s parents and me. The two kids noticed each other immediately and walked over to each other. “I’m Maya”, said the new girl to Jasmine, who introduced herself too.
Maya had brought a small stuffed toy with her, and left it at her parents’ table. The girls started playing with Jasmine’s dolls on the floor, combing the dolls’ hair and making up stories. They giggled and played for a good while until Maya was called by her parents to come to their table again.
Her parents had invited others to join them at the café, as it happened to be Maya’s birthday. 3 other couples slowly poured in, each bringing a birthday gift.
Maya’s father took her on his lap so she could open the gifts. The first one was a stuffed toy in the shape of a turtle, and Maya was overjoyed to receive it. At that very moment, she noticed Jasmine innocently looking at her. She was still playing with the dolls on the floor, and had been curious to see why her friend went back to her parents.
Maya smiled back at her friend and got off her father’s lap to hand her Loki, the stuffed toy she’d brought along from home. Both girls’ parents fell silent watching what had just happened. Little Maya had shared her stuffed toy with her new friend, not wanting her to feel left out.
Jasmine beamed at this gesture, gave Maya a hug, and went back to playing with Loki and her own dolls.
The next gift Maya received was a set of books. She gave a book to Jasmine right away, before taking one herself. Jasmine’s father was astonished by her kindness, and turned to ask Maya “How old are you, sweetheart?”
His eyes conveyed his thoughts (and admittedly, mine too): how was a little girl so happy and willing to share her gifts with a stranger, even on her birthday?
“I’m two years old”, she said with a big smile.
“Happy birthday, dear. Jasmine, honey, say thank you to her for sharing”, he prompted.
After a sweet “thank you”, Jasmine sat in her father’s lap and enjoyed being read to. Meanwhile, Maya went back to sit on her father’s lap and enjoyed the attention she was getting as a birthday girl.
Maya’s birthday gathering continued at their table, but Jasmine’s parents were ready to leave an hour later. They kindly gave back Maya’s stuffed toy and book to her parents. Jasmine’s mum put her hand on her heart and said a special thank you to them.
Little Jasmine, on the other hand, was heartbroken and started crying. She didn’t want to leave Maya, her kind, new friend behind.
I was a silent observer of this story, and its extraordinary sequence made me jot it down in the moment.
How many of us have walked into a new room or place seeking a familiar face?
And how many of us have been told “ You can have my seat” or “You can have my pen, I have another in my bag”. Not many, right?
Would we walk into a cafeteria and suddenly spark a conversation with a stranger, just because they look our age or are doing something we can relate to? No, situations such as these are extremely rare as an adult.
As we grow up, we learn boundaries, respect, and the concept of personal space. Do we also lose that tenderness and innocence as a child? I would argue we do.
We forget that everyone we meet could use a little bit of kindness, like Maya shared with Jasmine. We fail to see how people across the room are in search of some sign of similarity between us and them, so they can feel like they belong.
And when we express this kindness and similarity by intentionally sharing something like our time, attention, or personal item, we catch people by surprise. We can make someone’s day or gain a friend with these actions.
I realised the above when sending a gift to a friend last year. Her text message read “I’m so surprised, and wonder what I did to deserve it”.
“There is nothing we need to do to deserve a gift. I gave it because I felt like sharing”, I replied. That’s how simple it is.
If we choose to give, we must do so wholeheartedly. If we are at the receiving end, we must accept graciously. This delicate balance of giving and receiving is what makes life a beautiful dance. A dance of feelings and memories.
Reflections Based on This Story
Are you usually at the receiving or giving end in a friendship/relationship?
How do you respond when being gifted something? Do you graciously accept or believe you don’t deserve it?
And how often do you share something with others? Whether it’s a kind word, personal item to spare, or a gift, what could you share more of?
Both giving and receiving should be a fine balance. Don’t be afraid to be Maya or Jasmine when needed. Understand how much effort it takes to give, and you’ll be a more gracious receiver. Understand how much love you spread by giving, and you’ll give with joy. You have the power to bring a smile either way :)
With gratitude,
Raksha
On new year, my office ofganised secret santa celebration, and we were supposed to gift something to the person whose name come to one's slip. I didn't choose a expensive gift, like some of the colleagues, but wanted to share a heart touching memory, so I choose a classic model Mini replica of a Car,(I work at a vehicle finance company) and a hand written note, I still don't now how the person felt, I didn't ask him too(he will not share his true reaction), but couple of days later a senior colleague came to me and shared about her disapproval for the gift I chose.
Some people had got really expensive gifts like a Titan wrist watch for a new joinee girl, and A silk saree for another lady, and gift meant to strengthen bonds, became a way to showoff the possession.
But there i learnt the importance of being detached from the gifts you give to others, the gifts are meant to strengthen the bond and friendship between two people, not the resources the giver have.
That's a beautful story and reflection. It brings to mind my own childhood. I recall receiving a Hot Wheels car on my younger brother's birthday. It was something we had always done. On that occasion I asked my mom where that tradition had come from. "Because of you."
All three of my brothers (two older and one younger) were born in May. My birthday is not until November. One after another had a party and received gifts and I felt left out. So they began giving the non-birthday children one small gift.