I was encouraged by a recent talk by former Miss South Africa, Peggy Sue Khumalo.
As part of her talk, she recalled the Miss South Africa swimsuit competition. Wearing a free costume that she was given as part of her new gym membership, she felt nervous and unsure before going out on stage.
She turned to a cleaner in the locker room, and shared her nervousness. The cleaner helped adjust her costume, gave her some modelling advice and encouraged her to give it her best.
It was a touching moment shared between two strangers. The rest is history.
It’s obvious that was not the only reason that she won, but without it, the competition might have been very different. The message is clear: no matter who you are, you have the power to inspire someone through kindness and encouraging gestures.
It’s sometimes the smallest gesture that can change the course of history.
