This year I went on an epic backpacking trip that challenged my body and soul in ways that I had underestimated. The trip brought me out of the country and onto a trail that was rated difficult to strenuous. We suffered through different types of terrain from beach rock-hopping to canopy covered up and down switchbacks to scaling muddy walls with rope all whilst carrying backpacks filled with our supplies. It was every sense of an adventure. When I reflect back on the trip, so many memories fill my heart and mind with gratitude of the struggle and triumph.

Moreover, while backpacking is a wholly individual process and experience, it is also an incredible group journey. Along the trail, we came across other backpackers and every single one of them was ready and willing to help with offers of sharing water or warnings of what to expect ahead or even a simple statement of encouragement that says “you got this!”. On one particularly strenuous day of hiking, we came to a creek crossing that involved scaling down a muddy embankment using only a rope that was left behind. It involved crossing the creek, and then climbing up another muddy and slippery embankment with a different rope to reach the next part of the trail. When we arrived, there were two other groups helping each other down and up either side of the embankment and as we walked up, they were eager to extend their helping hands to our group—a complete set of strangers.

What’s more, a part of being on a busy trail is being aware of arriving to your destination camp at a reasonable time in order to secure a good camp site for the night. When you are on a trail with others, campsites become limited and you run the risk of not securing one. That was not a factor that seemed to influence these backpackers as much as was their generosity of spirit to help another. They lifted our heavy backpacks and helped us navigate the slippery slopes. Once we maneuvered ourselves down and up, another group had arrived behind us. Since we were extended the kindness of others, it felt only natural to pay it forward and do the same for the other group. A chain reaction of generosity and support ensued.

Now, when I look back on that particular trip, memories and feelings from those interactions overwhelm me with gratitude. It is those moments of genuine kindness from complete strangers that stick with me and give me hope on days blanketed with a cover of bleakness. They are fuel to keep my engine running.

A smile to a stranger, a phone call to a friend, a written note saying hello, holding the door one extra second for someone else are all ways to slow down and create connections with simple acts of kindness. So during this season of gratitude and giving, take notice of the small kindnesses that others show and become a piece of that kindness chain reaction. May it give your soul fuel through the holiday season and beyond.

Check out this short Youtube video on The Science of Kindness: