I have shared this story a few times, both online and to friends and family. This was a defining moment of my life.
I believe in the importance and power of kindness and compassion. I believe in working on holding back from judging others and knowing that hurt people hurt people.
In my life I often compliment people. Friends, family, colleagues, and strangers on the street. I mean every word of it. I want to brighten the day of those I meet. Why?
When I was 20 I lost a friend to suicide (the second friend I lost in this way). He was always smiling. It was an absolute shock.
A group of us went to his funeral. I approached his grieving Mum and told her that we all loved him. With a pained face she replied 'well he obviously didn't know that, did he?'.
I know that she spoke through excruciating grief. I know that this is not how mental illness works. I have nothing but compassion for her, and gratitude that she said those life-changing words to me at a young age.
Because of her words I have the courage to be kind. How many stories have you heard/read (or said yourself) along the lines of 'I wish I said/did something'? We can think something wonderful about someone but not say it, and hearing that nice thing could change that person's day or life. There are stories out there of acts of kindness that have changed someone's mind about taking their life. Our words and actions matter.
Have the courage to be kind. If you pass someone on the street that looks lovely, tell them (in a respectful and non-intrusive way). If someone in a store has a lovely smile, tell them. If you love the way someone lights up the room when they walk in, tell them. If someone did a good job, tell them. How many times have you had a rough day that has been turned around by the kindness of a friend or stranger? Be that person.
I believe in the importance and power of kindness and compassion. I believe in working on holding back from judging others and knowing that hurt people hurt people.
In my life I often compliment people. Friends, family, colleagues, and strangers on the street. I mean every word of it. I want to brighten the day of those I meet. Why?
When I was 20 I lost a friend to suicide (the second friend I lost in this way). He was always smiling. It was an absolute shock.
A group of us went to his funeral. I approached his grieving Mum and told her that we all loved him. With a pained face she replied 'well he obviously didn't know that, did he?'.
I know that she spoke through excruciating grief. I know that this is not how mental illness works. I have nothing but compassion for her, and gratitude that she said those life-changing words to me at a young age.
Because of her words I have the courage to be kind. How many stories have you heard/read (or said yourself) along the lines of 'I wish I said/did something'? We can think something wonderful about someone but not say it, and hearing that nice thing could change that person's day or life. There are stories out there of acts of kindness that have changed someone's mind about taking their life. Our words and actions matter.
Have the courage to be kind. If you pass someone on the street that looks lovely, tell them (in a respectful and non-intrusive way). If someone in a store has a lovely smile, tell them. If you love the way someone lights up the room when they walk in, tell them. If someone did a good job, tell them. How many times have you had a rough day that has been turned around by the kindness of a friend or stranger? Be that person.