No, You Don't Know

Its late at night, and I am seeing so many people respond to a post I put on social media regarding hope. Here's the thing. We have no idea what someone is going through. In other words, no...you don't know. There are so many people holding on without hope. No support. We don't know. In many cases, we will never know. So let us not add to an already challenging situation.?

People post a lot of things on social media. And well intentioned, we offer thoughts, prayers and heart emojis. But if we really want to change the narrative, we should focus a little more on listening, than trying to be an influencer. So many want the spotlight, while forgetting those who are lost in the shadows. While I make a decent buck in private practice, there is a reason why a keep a modest day job, doing things with people, that no one wants to deal with. That work ain't sexy. And some days, it can be outright grueling. I rarely hear thank you. Often I hear fuck?you. So why do it? Because some are so deep in the darkness, they have lost the ability?to communicate in a respectful manner.

Working deep in the dark is a mindset. You know you're going to lose more than you are going to win. But if we stop reaching out...I mean really reaching out, what little hope that is left will be gone. While social media can often validate you, it has destroyed others. It can offer help, but also deliver hurt. Stop trying to save the world. Save the person who is standing next to you. And do it because you have survived your darkness. You know just how heavy that can be. Leave the camera at home. Don't post about it. Just shine.?

Deep in the dark. They don't care if you're an influencer. They just want to be influenced. And you can't do that if you're worried about the outcome, that is leading to an income. The world will be saved by people with names that will never be mentioned. And the reason why these beautiful souls do what they do...is because no, they don't know. But they feel your despair. And there is no greater gift than helping someone without expecting anything in return.??