Save a Life

If there is a single thing we could all as individuals attempt to contribute to our society today, it's the mindfulness of those directly and indirectly around us. Nothing complicated, just a simple acknowledgment of another human and what they might be going through. A smile does not mean happiness. It has a thousand hidden meanings—you simply do not know how brave the person who projects an emotion that isn't present in their life at that moment in time is. Believe it or not, it takes a very capable, very strong person to do this! You may think that that's an obvious statement to make, but remember all of those times you've been asked if you were okay, and you have said yes even when it is not true.

It seems that we are genetically wired to make assumptions based only on what we see, but as the iceberg principle demonstrates, upon initial observation only a very small amount (around 10 percent) of the iceberg is visible. Whereas hidden deep underneath the surface forcibly stands the majority of its structure. If you could think twice about your actions and reactions to people, it may just stop the rest of the iceberg from sinking below the surface, metaphorically speaking.

At one point or another in this very lifespan, each and every one of us will experience a level of depressive state, mentally, emotionally, or both. There is no contest which ranks a person's problems higher than another's, because they are completely subjective to that situation or person. You may feel sad for a few hours following some bad news or struggle to cope with life in general for months or even years on end. Both are equally as significant to the person suffering.

As much as I fathom that we do not all share the same opinions on how to behave or portray ourselves, it's understandable but shameful that the message I am aiming to deliver may be disregarded. Not everyone will have your back in life, but remember that there are a lot more people than you think who you can reach out to or confide in. Whether you want to try and open up to someone you know or speak anonymously with a stranger, there is much support available to support those who feel alone with their thoughts.

Too many times we have all witnessed and been the victims of selfish acts which could potentially ruin someone's day or more extremely but not uncommonly, cost them their life. One nasty word, one cruel comment, or disapproving look could unknowingly destroy the way someone thinks or feels entirely. And the "unknowingly" part is the worst of all—it seems the ones throwing out the negativity are the ones that live on merrily, when the ones with the most love to give are tricked into thinking that they are not worthy.

If anything at all, no matter how significant, has negatively affected your life in any way, please accept deepest apologies from a simple stranger wanting to spread a positive message. You may not be in a frame of mind to believe that better days are coming, but life has its funny ways of keeping us on our toes. If you can occupy even a small amount of your attention on thinking about what blessings can be appreciated and what lessons can be learnt.

Hopefully karma will do its thing and straighten out the universe but for now, it's up to us!

Please acknowledge people and their feelings. It could make a huge difference to somebody's life, if not save it.