Page 10 - Balvihar january 2024

Words Change

Vibes

“Haha...Malini, you are floating inside your parrot-green Kurta,” 12 year old Shreya, commented.
Malini who was showing off her new kurta to her friends, was hurt and she ran back to her
home. The other children looked at Shreya, frowned at her and moved away from her.
Shreya had a not so pleasant habit that set her apart from the other kids. Shreya had a habit
of unintentionally saying negative things whenever she met someone.
“Rohan, even a first standard kid will kick the ball harder than you.”

Every day, she'd make remarks that left the other children feeling sad and hurt.
Shreya didn't realize the impact of her words until she realised she was left alone most of the
time. No one wanted to be friends with someone who constantly made them feel bad about
themselves. Shreya would sit alone on a bench watching other children play, she felt a pang of
sadness in her heart.

One sunny day, as Shreya was having her lunch all
alone in the school compound, on mats, spread for
kids, little Aarav approached her. He looked at
her with bright eyes and said, “Shreya didi, you
have brown eyes, like chocolate ice cream!”
Shreya, accustomed to no one talking to
her, was taken aback by the unexpected
compliment. She felt her heart melting.
She felt her frown turning into a big
smile.

"Thank you for being so sweet," she
replied. Aarav smiled back and went
back to play.

That day, Shreya realized the impact of
positive words. She realised the impact
of a single compliment versus constant
criticism. She decided to change her ways.
The next day, during a class activity, Shreya stopped herself from making a negative comment
about Malini’s drawing. Instead, with a genuine smile, she said, ”Malini, your drawing is so
colourful and creative. You are so talented.” A sparkle of happiness lit up Malini's face. Surprised
by Shreya's kind words, she replied, “Thank you, Shreya!"

Shreya was thankful that Malini didn't roll her eyes and say,"Is that you talking, Shreya? Where
did the Sun rise from today?"

10

Balvihar - January 2024