'Please don't post them," I told my wife as I saw her taking pictures of me and my sister on New Year's Eve. It was a family activity and I have no time for social media drama. People's attitudes differ. Some might be supportive, others can be nasty.
The next morning, on New Year's Day, she said that she thought the pictures were nice and she really wanted to put them up on Facebook. Resistance was futile. Knowing that her posts are always public, the only thing I could do was hope that they wouldn't catch the attention of any internet troll.
The post got positive feedback. That wasn't a surprise. My fear, that somebody would say it was fake, wasn't realised. The best thing was that some commentators said they would love to do it too. A radio programme (On The Way Home on FM 105 MHz) even called to interview me.
If it could motivate a few people on the internet, perhaps it could also inspire some of our readers at the Bangkok Post.
What we did last Monday was no big deal. We roamed some of Bangkok's streets to say "Happy New Year" to the homeless; the forgotten people who may not have heard anybody wishing them well for ages. We just hoped that they could feel the spirit of the occasion, which the whole world was celebrating.
To make the day more special for them, we had also prepared a few goodies to give away. They were nothing fancy. But if you live a vagrant life, it's not every day that you get to enjoy chiffon cake and soda.
That afternoon we met many people, from beggars to street cleaners who were working on the holiday. Most were surprised when we approached them. But they all seemed to appreciate it. Some even returned our unexpected greetings with their best wishes. From the smiles on their faces, I knew that at least for that second, the magic of the New Year was working. It wasn't just another day of emptiness and hardship for them.
Of course, what we did was not enough to lift them out of their unfortunate condition. Our goal was merely to create a moment of happiness in the hearts of those who are so often deprived of it. It made us feel good too; even more so than when we went to the temple to make merit.
Sharing makes society a better place. Anyone can do it. And you don't have to wait until the New Year. Any occasion is appropriate -- your birthday, for example. Or payday.
And it doesn't have to be the homeless. Look around you, and you'll always find somebody who needs help or encouragement. As I write this, tropical storm Pabuk is about to hit the coast of Nakhon Si Thammarat, threatening to destroy homes and lives.
There are many ways you can lend a helping hand. And as long as you are sincere, don't be afraid to share the story of your good deeds with other people. Because if it inspires somebody, the results will be multiplied.
Pongpet Mekloy is the Bangkok Post travel editor.