You should always be ready to help someone whether it be a friend, acquaintance, or total stranger. A few years ago, I used to frequently visit a website where people from all over the world would post their problems anonymously. They would vent out to the public, and the public would respond with kind words, advice, and often times both. I found myself on both ends of the exchange, asking for help and giving it out in return. Later on throughout middle and high school, I often wound up being the person people vented to, and this trend continues even to this day. A multitude of long, lonely, and introspective nights mixed with a healthy dose of self esteem led to one clear, coherent thought: I can inspire others. I'm very uncomfortable bragging about myself, but I like to believe that my presence is (overall) a good one, with the overwhelming majority of my relationships being positive and healthy.

However, I didn't get to this point on my own. The only reason I am who I am today is because of certain people who were kind enough to extend their hand to me. Allow me to sidetrack into a story.

I once knew a girl who lived a hard life. She had an abusive father, no extended family, and a passive mother that did little to protect her. She had very little money and associated herself with some shady characters, as well as committing a few acts frowned upon by the law. She had every excuse to curl up and care only for herself, taking what she needed from wherever it came easiest. Instead, she chose to reach out and touch the souls of (select) people around her. She opened up to the broken ones, people like me who were going through tough times. She told us about her past, and I came to realize that not all who are weighed down sink. Even though we had different anchors dragging us down, she was living proof that one could get better, even to the point of surpassing what they used to be. I would not be where I am had it not been for someone like her providing me a new way of seeing life. Another person I met not more than a week ago opened up to me about her personal life. Everything about her struggles were laid bare, and when asked why she told me so much, she said that she wanted to make sure no one ended up like she did.

The point I'm trying to get across is this: if you see someone struggling, or even think that they are, offer to help them. At the very least show them some kindness. People never really know just how much they can do with so little effort. Telling your significant other you love them. Giving your best friend a hug. A gentle smile to a stranger passing by. Every action we take affects the world in its own way.

No one makes it through this world alone. We all have to rely on someone, sometime.