Look around you at the people in your life, the people you are closest to, and the passers-by. If you could look deep into their souls, what would you see?
On the outside, you may see someone who seems to have themselves all pulled together.
They are confident and successful and appear not to have a care in the world.
Sometimes the most vital people don't reveal the pain and struggle they may be carrying.
You can't judge a book by its cover.
On the contrary, maybe someone is down, out, and in obvious despair.
They may struggle to make ends meet, be in a toxic relationship, or deal with adverse health issues. They may be unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now.
Or it could be someone who is lighthearted, content, and living a life filled with joy and happiness. They have gratitude and appreciation for even the smallest of things.
As we journey through life, we will experience many rays of the spectrum.
I think back on myself as a young child when I didn't have a care in the world.
Life seemed whimsical. I had no real responsibilities, and each day was an adventure.
I consider that a true blessing as not everyone's childhood was so.
As I got older, I began experiencing many of the harsh realities in life.
I dealt with loss, health issues and struggled in my career.
I don't think anyone gets a free pass.
And yet all have come full circle.
We are all on many diverse paths, different cards dealt to us, and we have experienced good and bad times.
Simply put, this is life.
It can be fragile, it can be beautiful, and it's a gift bestowed upon us.
So I ask you once again, when you look at the people in your life and the passers-by, what do you see?
Can you see the soul and spirit that resides within them?
Can you see a reflection of yourself?
Can you step back and look at them through the eyes of compassion?
We can all make a humanitarian effort to make the world a better place by understanding each other, having empathy, and realizing we are all not so different.
My best,
Yvette