When was the last time you said, “How are you doing today” to a best friend, family member or random stranger and actually meant it? Never ask this question if you do not want their honest response. Every day people are struggling to find balance in his or her life. This can cause pain, heartache, and honestly change the very soul inside of us that you thought you knew so well.
There are thousands of stories I could tell you to give an example of how being mindful towards people will make life better, but the only story I truly know is my own. So here it goes:
One night, on February 28th to be exact, I go to sleep in my college apartment with a horrific feeling inside my body. I do not understand why this is happening, and then suddenly it is tomorrow, and I wake up to a phone call at 6 a.m. from my parents asking to open my apartment door. My automatic response was, “Why are you in Kent, Ohio?” I instantly feel scared and confused because my parents live in Pittsburgh and the biggest storm of the year hit that night. I hastily ask my dad if my grandma is okay and all I get are four words back in return that I will never forget, “It’s about Uncle Mike.” Later, while I am packing up my things for the most difficult ride home of my life thus far, I come to find out my uncle committed suicide.
Related: Losing a Parent to Suicide
I tell this story because everyone on the face of this earth has something they are going through. That was almost 5 months ago, but it feels like just yesterday I heard the news. If you notice someone having an off day, cut him or her some slack. There’s not a day that goes by that I do not cringe at someone jokingly say they want to kill themselves. If there is one thing that I am 100% sure about it is that people want to be understood. There is someone out there who feels the way you do, and if you open up and let people in you may help heal yourself and others.
Do not fret if someone confides in you and you feel numb to their story. This is not because you are a heartless human being; it is most likely because you have not experienced or you do not know how to help them. Love and understanding one another go hand in hand. It is a powerful thing and should be shared beyond family, friends and significant others.
Together we can pay it forward. After all, we should be a world of people helping people because it is more blessed to give than it is to receive and in giving you will receive one of the greatest gifts… purpose.
Happy Mindful Monday everyone!