I think most people have something that they are forced to struggle with daily, often that others don't know about. Sometimes it's sickness or death in the family, sometimes it's a mental or physical sickness of your own, sometimes it's an addiction, sometimes it's simply all of the different stressors that can add up and start to take over your life. Whatever the combination, I think pretty much everybody is dealing with difficulties that others- even their closest friends and family- simply aren't aware of. And I think although maybe that doesn't come as much of a surprise, and isn't an earth-shattering statement to make, I don't think many of us actually live as though we believe it, or if we do that we actually care. Most of the time, unless we have external confirmation that so-and-so is struggling with said problem, we usually don't put in any extra effort caring towards them-- even though we kind of know that most people are struggling with something we don't know about.

And I think this needs to stop. This needs to change. We need to start telling people that we care about them, and that they matter, and that we love them and they aren't alone, before we find out about whatever struggle they are going through. Because there is absolutely no reason we can't take that extra minute or so just to check in with them and show them that we really care-- and often that is what makes all the difference. The norm should not be to assume people are fine, until we find out that they're not. We should every day actively make an effort to show those we know and love that they matter, and that they aren't alone. Because in all reality, if we can't even do that, are we really even expressing love if the only times we care are when the problem has gotten so bad that they can't hide it anymore?

This is all easier said than done. It can feel awkward to express this extra amount of care, especially when you don't know the person very well and they seem completely fine. But stop for a moment, and think about your own life, all of your own personal struggles, and imagine how nice it would be if someone expressed how much they cared about you in the same way. Chances are, even if it feels a little weird, it will almost always have a positive impact on that person, sometimes maybe when they need it the most. And I think that makes it infinitely worth it.