For Clint Tavares from Goa, a morning run is not just about maintaining physical fitness. During his route, he tries to notice people and give them a reason to smile.
He might notice a bearded man and tell him that he has 'the coolest beard,' or he might notice someone's backpack and stop to comment, 'What a great backpack.' A woman in a sari receives a warm compliment, while to another person he simply says, 'Good morning.'
This small habit, however, takes on special significance in our time, when people are rushing about, looking at their phones, or burdened by their own worries.
His interactions happen spontaneously. He tells people he likes about them. For example, when he meets a man named Raj, learns he is 62 years old, and immediately remarks, 'That's young. That's quite young.' When Raj mentions he is a karate coach, the conversation turns into a short exchange of encouragement, after which Clint continues running.
A few kind words can mean a lot
Such moments happen often. He tells someone that they are doing great with their tasks and urges them to 'Keep moving forward.' If he sees a football jersey, he playfully asks, 'Are you Ronaldo, right?' Another time, he comments to a woman, 'You are a very good mother.'
These conversations are rarely long, but perhaps that is the point. Spreading happiness does not always require grand gestures; sometimes it is enough just to notice another person. A compliment, a smile, or a sincere 'How are you?' can interrupt an ordinary morning and make a person feel noticed.
Clint shares these encounters on Instagram through the account @clinton_tavares, where he calls himself a reel creator. His description states a simple message: 'No one is limited.'
It seems that his morning runs carry another unspoken message. In a world where there are already many reasons for worry, becoming the person who adds a little joy to someone else's day costs very little.
For him, this happens through one run, one stranger, and one kind word at a time.