Ellen DeGeneres always says this.

I went to the doctor for a consultation a week after my radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.

But before that, I went to a fast food chain to buy food. I plan to eat it on my way home. (The doctor's clinic is 18 kilometers away from our house by commuter jeepney and bus.)

The fast food staff mentioned the amount of my order. I handed out PHP 50.00.

Staff: “I received PHP 500.00... ay, PHP 50.00 po pala.”

I smiled behind my N95 face mask, so the staff sheepishly said, "Sorry po, inaantok na po."

I bet she has been working since early morning.

So as she handed my order and receipt, I told her, "O matulog ka na ha."

The staff said, "Opo. Ingat po kayo."

One of the things I learned from my two-week therapy-forced-isolation: you can't tell a person's journey physically or by outside appearance.

The lesson: be kind to one another.

You’re Exceptional,

Ann Kristine

Nuclear Power Plant of Happiness

P.S.: If you’re like me who works from home, still spread kindness. Be kind to everyone in your household, to your pets, to your neighbors. Most important, be kind to yourself.