We all have people in our lives who are special to us.
The secret to happiness has always been through giving, not getting. There are few things more important than being there for other people in your life when they need you. Life can be hard at times. At some point, everyone will need a shoulder to lean on, someone they can confide in, and even a helping hand. Sadly, many of us suppress our feelings and resist asking for help because we are worried about how it will be perceived by others rather than finding strength through them.
I’ve always believed that a proper understanding of a person emerges when they navigate through adversity rather than basking in the abundance of good fortune. It’s easy to put on a happy face when things are going well. However, some people seem to develop an inflated sense of self and become overly judgmental of others when things go their way. When you’re down on your luck, it becomes much easier to recognize your own vulnerability. We are all human, and human beings need respect, love, and support. “No man or woman is an island.”
Instead of narrowing your circle, I encourage you to broaden the number of people in your life you care about. Rather than spending too much of your time worrying about your own happiness or lack thereof, seek opportunities to help others. Resist the urge to rush to judgment and strive to be more compassionate and empathetic. Ask people how they feel and what they need, and genuinely mean it. Actions always speak much louder than words.
We are all on this ride called life together. What happens to your neighbor does affect you. The greater the distance, the more subtle the impact, but it remains nonetheless. You can do what most people do and avoid or criticize the situation, or you can try to make a positive difference in someone else’s life when they need you (especially when it is difficult to do so). It’s important to remember that life has a way of humbling us all.