Throughout our day, we think about ourselves a lot. Whether we're dealing with school, friends or family its really easy to just get caught up in our own world. Humanity was not created for us to just focus on ourselves; it was made for us to interact, to connect.
Some of us might be better off than others. Some might get better grades, have a better social life or deal with problems and barriers more effectively. However, there are many of us that struggle, that hurt, feel alone and wonder if things are ever going to get better. Those people don't stick out. They don't walk around with a red flag or a cloud over their heads. They blend in. They blend in because they don't want to show their pain or suffering. They're calling out for help but no one can hear or see them. They're invisible.
Although it’s important to put ourselves first at times, our job as humans is to be there for those who might view the world around them as dark. It’s our job to show them the light. This isn't a hard task. We can't suddenly bring someone out of their slump. However, we can slowly drag the shadow away from a person. It’s the little things that start to help someone, even when you don't think you can help someone, you actually can.
It all starts with one small thing, a simple smile. Not only does smiling make you feel better, it’s contagious. It brings joy. Even if it's for a second, that smile distracts that person from whatever they were thinking about. That’s what life is about, the small bits of joy in the ordinary day.
Next, it's just a simple "Hey, how are you?" or "How's your day going?" Reaching out to someone and going out of your way to see how their day is just shows that someone cares about them. Even if they don't give you that much of an answer, it gets them thinking about how they actually feel. Maybe another day, they'll approach you, because they know you care.
Showing gratitude can lift someone. If someone is feeling low and worthless, the expression of appreciation can immediately minimize his or her negative thoughts. Showing someone that you appreciate their friendship, their kindness, their honesty or handwork brings value to their life. It adds to their self-esteem.
It’s also our job as human to listen. Sometimes we can let things that other people say pass by without really thinking about it. Maybe it’s a cry for help; maybe they want us to engage them. Let them be heard. If someone says something negative we should combat it. Show them the positive in negatives; attack their negative thinking by showing them their true potential, as a friend and as a human being.
Whether you choose to believe it or not, you truly can make a difference on the world. Even in small steps, go out of your way to make one person smile, show appreciation, be there for someone and care for someone. Fulfill what we were meant to do on this earth. Connect and better this life.
