Be thankful for what you have, empathize with those who have less

 

I was talking with a longtime friend not too long ago, and hearing all of the hurdles they have had to overcome over the past many years, and I was just in shock of all they had to go through. It was like one of those crazy stories you hear on a documentary, and I just couldn’t fathom all they have had to endure. What made it even harder to accept, was that this was someone I know. Not just a name on a show or in a book. Someone I actually knew, grew up with, hung out with, shared wonderful moments with. After hearing their story, I was reminded that I need to be thankful for everything I have. Sure, the past couple of years have been hard for me, but nothing compared to what they had to go through. They quite literally lost everything. 

I wanted to take this moment to remind you to be thankful for what you have. I know life can be hard sometimes, and you might be at rock bottom, but there is always a glimmer of light to look for if you just take a moment. I firmly believe that life has a plan for us all. The signs may not be clear, and the timeline not truly defined, but deep down, there is a map guiding us along the way. We just have to be willing to let faith guide us, approach each opportunity with trust and understanding, and hope that we will choose the right path. Sometimes, we may choose the wrong path. But if we are patient and clear our mind of negativity, guilt, doubt, disbelief, anger, and so on, we will be steered toward the right path again. 

I also want you to remember to show compassion and empathy for those who have fallen on hard times and are struggling to get back on their feet. We may not know their story, the demons that haunt them, or the circumstances that led to their decline. We don’t know if their decline was of their own doing or an outside force. All we can do is help support them the best that we can and help to raise them up. 

Do you have someone in your life that has fallen on hard times? Have you yourself fallen on hard times? Did you or they have someone to talk to? I hope so. If not, I’m here for you to hear your story and help you out in any way I can. I may not have all the answers, but I can help you pull yourself back up. Together, we rise!