I can encounter anywhere from 20 to 100 people each day as I do about my business. Between family, friends, coworkers, and strangers, so many others will see me. Many will only see a smile on my face. A few may find a blank stare or find me thinking. But only a chosen few will really know what I have on my mind. As we all move about our days, how many of us have become a master of disguises? Hiding behind smiles, the real truth of our mental state.
Hiding from the truth
Life brings challenges and strain to our lives so often. And there are far too many people that feel there is no way out of their worry and fear. The feeling that they don’t want to be a burden. Or the worry that they could hurt another. So, they find it easier to hold everything in. Hide it because of embarrassment or fear. Only to find themselves getting absorbed and thinking there is only one last option.
Suicide is not an option
Suicide has become the 11th leading cause of death in America. It doesn’t matter the race, gender, or age. Even as the statistics grow, I find it interesting that 94% of Americans believe that suicide can be prevented. This makes me feel that one day, we will find a better way to help everyone.
Ever think to yourself, “well they are laughing so much, they must have a good life.” Guess what? Not true. I know people that laugh all the time with their friends, but they are struggling in their marriage. Another that laughs and they are held down with financial worry. Or how about a person that has a great time with friends dancing but hides the stress and anxiety they hold because of their family.
Why hide from the world
What makes a person want to hide rather than opening up? Well, we have all had those few people in our lives that seem to know everything. Or try to fix you when all you wanted was to be listened to. Ever come across a friend or family member that is critical of your choices? We hide what is bothering us the most for many reasons. Fear that someone will just blame us, use our feelings against us, or hurt us knowing we are vulnerable. We are embarrassed because we probably feel that some of the problem, we face is our own fault. Because the choices we have made before having led us to this now bigger issue. But also, we don’t open up because we know there are people in our lives that are unable to give us the needed support. When sometimes all we need is a hug or someone to tell us they care, not everyone can do that.
Reach out
Do me a favor and look at your family and friends. Watch them for a minute. They may laugh now, but what are they doing when no one is watching? Because I bet, they could use someone to give them a hug right about now. Or maybe that guy over there could really use someone saying they are proud of them. I like to watch social media reels and mini videos. My favorite are the ones where people will walk to us complete strangers and just give them a flower. Sometimes, all it takes is a person telling another, it is okay.
I am proud of you
We all hide things that we have going on in our lives. We know that some friends and family members are good to help support us, while others are not. But we have to try and remember, that each one of us has made someone’s life a little better by being in it. And if I pass you by on the street and you see me smile at you, know that I am glad you are here. I am proud of you for making it through this day.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
