A few weeks ago I decided to to go on a low calorie, minimal carb diet, coupled with a fitness routine, to finally shed off the distension in my belly that has haunted me, and has been the cause of great insecurity, ever since it was there. I have been too hard on myself ever since being a gourmand took over me when I was young, and I told myself, “no more!”

I have been steadily making progress, but there are days when things can be very difficult: when my favorite sweets, and even white rice can be so tempting to eat.

Then there are days when the decision to jump off the wagon for a while is not very challenging at all: today I received a package from Val Prieto, his gesture of appreciation for what I have done for him. Inside are a postcard, a Cuban Jazz compact disc, and fifteen delectable pastries called pastelitos.

Before Val contacted me for assitance we were but strangers blogging it forward, sharing a view from here and there. This experience has brought a step me closer to him and his family. I would call my actions towards him as the kindness of a familiar stranger. Val’s has definitely changed the playing field: his is the kindness of friends.

So as I sit down in front of my desk with my third cup of cafe con leche — though I usually drink my coffee black — and my fourth pastelito, this one filled with sweet coconut, all I can think to myself is that my diet can wait.

There are only few things worth starting a diet all over for, and every bite of kindness is definitely worth it.