A Little Act of Kindness Can Save A Life.
Today was pretty interesting.
On the walk home from my Fitness Broadcast today, I saw a young guy sitting crouched in between his legs, in the middle of a bridge with his face in his hands, shirt trying to hide his tears, and a sharp wooden steak next to his feet.
I couldn’t just walk away seeing him in the situation he looked like he was in, broken, hurt, emotions all around, and most of all, ALONE. He was a young man, 21 years old, not a junkie nor homeless, he was just struggling and that was very easy to tell. So, I went in with my heart and gut instincts and gave him some of my time.
I stood next to him, touched his shoulder, and asked him… “Hey, are you going to be alright?” and that’s when ALL the tears throbbed down his face. It was the type of tears that is hard to hold back and breathe at the same time. I let him finish his crying, waited for him to calm down, and then I spoke… “I don’t know what you are going through, but would you like to go on a walk with me? I know you don’t know me, but sometimes it’s nice talking to a stranger that doesn’t know what’s going on in your personal life, I can listen and possibly help…” He looked up at me and shook his head YES, with tears running down his face trying to hide whatever it is he is going through. He stood up, grabbed the sharp wooden steak by his feet, and then I looked at him and said… “Hey, I don’t think we will be needing that… lets just go for a little walk, it’ll be ok…” He ended up not taking the wooden steak, got up and walked with me to the next shopping center. As we were walking, I asked for his name and introduced myself. Also, told him… “If I’m over stepping boundaries, just let me know, I will back away… Everyone is going to their own issues, but I would like to help if you will let me…” he nodded “yes”…
As we got into the shopping center, I told him… “Lets take a seat.” As we sat down on a bench, he dried up his tears.
I started with… “I don’t know what you’re going through, you don’t have to tell me unless you want to, but maybe I can help if you don’t mind…” He nodded his head again.
I asked… “Do you mind telling me a little bit of what’s going on?” He replied and mentioned that his family and him is going through rough financial living situations, as well as not having a job. He also said… “There is just so much bad thoughts going through my head.” I told him, “Everyone is going through something in their lives, and everyone handles situations differently, I may not know exactly what you’re going through but know that everything is going to be ok. After a storm, there is always sunshine. Take every step one day at a time and always be grateful that you are alive, breathing, and healthy with all limbs. You are very young, and people are always still trying to figure out what they want to do for the rest of their lives. I know you mentioned that you are struggling without a job, don’t give up on searching because when you least expect it, the right job will fall on your lap.”
Then I asked him, “Are you a believer?” he said, “yes”… I told him, “I believe a lot of things happen for a reason, for whatever it is, we won’t ever know until it happens… Just like now, I’m sure there’s a reason why we are having this conversation. There may be something tuggin’ on your ankle, testing you right now. Just kick'em off. It will be ok.”
He mentions, “I just want to better myself, but I’m always getting let down, put down, and on top of it all, I’m hard on myself. There’s just so much negativity around me, and in my head.” I told him, “If you really want to better yourself, YOU can do it. I believe in you, and I believe if you want to better yourself, you will. The only person that can create the changes in your life is yourself. Nobody can decide or make the choices you want for YOUR LIFE. Only YOU can do it. There are going to be a lot of negativity out there. Shit, sometimes there are people out there that are just hoping to see you fall or fail. Always remember, actions speak more than words, and you can prove all of them wrong by not letting them get to you and also by focusing on the first steps of bettering yourself. Surround yourself with people that are going to lift you up, and not bring you down. A tight supportive circle is all you need, and if you don’t feel that you have that, surround your self with motivating quotes, music, videos, etc. and that’s what I do from time to time. You’re only as strong as you want to be, and I believe that you can do it. Take the baby steps day by day and don’t forget how fortunate you are to be living… I hoped I helped with whatever it is that you’re going through.." He looked at me, "Thank you so much, I needed to hear this, you helped a lot, and I appreciate all of it.” There was so much more to this conversation but this was the just of it.
Reflecting on what happened today…
I can tell that there was a lot going through his head, and that the conversation definitely touched and opened his eyes a bit. It definitely made me feel good inside after I saw his smile…
With that being said…
You will never know what that person across the street, next door, or right in front of you is going through. Kind words, some encouragement, and most of all SHOWING THAT YOU CARE, can make a huge difference in someone’s life that is going through a rough time…
A little act of kindness can save a life, be humble and always stay kind to others.