Quote of the day:
To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness. -Confucius
When someone takes their own life a thousand and one questions spring to mind. If you have ever experienced depression (I have), it is more than a feeling of unhappiness or being fed up, or seeing life as worthless -there are different layers to it all. I read one or two stories about the apparent suicide of Linkin Park's Singer -Chester Bennington at age 41, who had been candid about his issues with mental health and addiction. I also believe I saw on Facebook where someone made a post about how the people suicide victims leave behind are the real victims, and in a nutshell talked about selfishness on the part of people who take their own lives. Now this is simply the poster's opinion, and I am not here to debate that. What I would say is that there is great talk about suicides today more than ever, and I believe it is important to discuss the societal and mental issues that can lead up to that point of no return. The band has even set up a tribute website to Chester, which provides suicide prevention information for the vulnerable. Unfortunately, it won't be the first and the last of such stories in the news.
Truth is we all suffer one form of loneliness or the other. But we overcome such episodes because we surround ourselves with family, friends and the things we love. But for some people these things are not just enough. We all live, love, and heal differently. The little things we overcome can be harder for others to get through. That's where kindness comes into play.
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. I must admit sometimes I forget about kindness especially when stressed. But I am learning to strive each day to be kind to everyone I meet. I believe we all should too. Think about it. Imagine if even one person weekly showed you a little act of kindness, wouldn't that warm your heart and soul? Or even better imagine if you carried out the act of kindness. Sometimes it is the little things in life that matter. A little hello, a little conversation with a random stranger, a smile, a little appreciation, taking a minute to help someone who is lost, talking to someone who don't look their usual self, being nice to someone, holding the door for someone, writing a thank you note, forgiving someone for what they did, checking up on family and old friends, or just simply listening to someone -all little acts that could make a big difference in the end.
If you are reading this and you feel the need to talk to someone, please do seek some help. Samaritans (UK Toll free number: 116 123) offer round the clock help and support. They offer a safe place for you to talk anytime.
Peace. Love. Light*
Current Listen: Linkin Park -Shadow of the Day
54 Comments
A family member suffered from depression and I saw the depths to which he sank. It was in the days when mental health issues were not discussed. He sought help with the support of family. We need to discuss mental health issues generally and depression in particular. Understanding is an important beginning and as always, kindness.
ReplyDeleteMarie, I couldn't agree more. Compassion, love and understanding is the way to go. Great to hear that your family member was supported and got the needed help. Thanks for sharing that, and nice of you to drop by.
DeleteExcellent post about a topic many are afraid to discuss. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI was saddened when I heard of Chester's death and I'm featuring some of their music on my blog later in the week as a tribute.
Kelly, Indeed it is still an avoidable topic for many. And sad news no doubt. That would be a nice tribute, thanks for visiting, warm greetings and best wishes to you.
Deletebeautiful post
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I agree about being kind and sometimes I find it hard. most of the time I do it without trying, it is part of my person, but a few times, especially since I am aging quickly, I have found myself short with people who get on my nerves. that is not a good thing to do. I think most of the suicides of famous people are caused by drugs and alcohol and the stress of their lives. all self inflicted.
ReplyDeleteSandra, sometimes it can be the hardest thing to do, we are humans after all and we have our own stuff to deal with. But we can only strive to do better each day. Appreciate your visit and comment. Thank you.
DeleteI speak often of committing acts of kindness. A friendly smile costs nothing but it makes the person you give it to feel a bit better. Often they pass it on to the next person they see. The best part is that you feel better too. It is horrible to feel that the only way to stop feeling bad is to end your life. At that moment you are not thinking about how the loss of you will affect others. Everyone loses. I hope everyone will give a smile to the first person they encounter. It is so easy.
ReplyDeleteEmma, spreading goodness is definitely contagious and is a good feeling to do and experience, and one we must all strive to practice. Thank you for your visit.
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more B. It takes so little effort to smile and chat to someone who is looking a little lost. The problem is that so many are afraid to get involved not realising the joy they will receive themselves in helping others.
ReplyDeletePerthDailyPhoto, I am glad you agree. I also agree with you that many maybe fear getting involved either due to a bad experience, non-nonchalance, or they are just afraid. But there is beauty in trying at least. Many thanks for your visit and comment!
DeleteThank you for this important post
ReplyDeleteCloudia, I thank you for taking time to visit and read.
DeleteGreat advice
ReplyDeleteWonderful post!! I read it twice.
ReplyDeleteChris, I am glad you found it interesting enough to have read it twice. Do feel free to share it if you want. Many thanks for visiting.
DeleteA perfect time for this post.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we live in close proximity to someone who is depressed and we do not even realize it. We are so busy we miss the signs of loneliness, of despair... I do believe we ought to make time for others outside our immediate family as well. And yes, yes, a smile, a kind word goes a long way. I have felt it, I have seen others feel it.
Your post is inspiring. We need to be reminded of this. I personally like to talk to people, strangers, in a waiting room, for instance, at the gym while in the reclining bike!!
Let's be nice most of the time. I am all for it!
:))
Catarina, I guess its just human nature, we all have our life to live, stuff we need to do, it can be a lot to handle sometimes. So looking out for other people can be hard, but striving and trying to be more aware of others around us will go a long way.
DeleteI am glad you found the post inspiring, I hope it reminds us all of our need to spread goodness, I hope it helps someone who really needs help, and hope I it starts a conversation.
I appreciate your visit and comment, thank you.
As someone who suffers from depression, this is a great post and very well said. A little kindness goes a long way, especially in reminding people they're never truly alone.
ReplyDeleteA Beer For The Shower, I applaud you for sharing that. Little acts of goodness can go a long way I believe. We never know what the next person may be going through, but better to be kind than otherwise. Thank you and nice of you to drop by.
DeleteThere's often so much more going on with people than we're aware of. I like the idea of reaching out with kindness when possible.
ReplyDeleteLisa, that is so true. Just as others cannot know what we are thinking or going through at some point, the same holds for them too. Spreading goodness is a start. Its nice of you to visit, thank you.
DeleteI once sang happy birthday to a work colleague. He said, Thank you, you can't imagine how much that means to me.
ReplyDeleteLittle bits of kindness really can make a difference. Surrounding yourself with family and friends, though, doesn't work for people without family and friends.
Love,
Janie
Janie, Such a simple gesture that speaks a lot indeed. We are all different in every way possible of course, at the end of the day finding something or someone that gives us hope is everything.
DeleteThank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Thanks so much for this article. Raising awareness is incredibly powerful for those who feel like they have no where to turn. Refreshing to read a meaningful post! Thanks so much for sharing.
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A little kindness can make a big difference indeed. As long as such kindness doesn't lead to those using you and walking all over you coming around.
ReplyDeleteI make a point of practicing kindness every single day. That, combined with a gratitude attitude, go a long way to serve my mental and emotional health; and I hope these shine out toward others!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you for commenting that samaritans can help
ReplyDeleteOur free phone number 116123
John, I am glad to be of help and good to know you are part of the Samaritans. I will update the number on the post. Thanks and best wishes!
DeleteThis is such an important post. I have suffered from depression and what a thief it is. It steals all of your joy and ability to move forward in life. Physical health and mental health need the same level of importance in our society.
ReplyDeleteLovely share, Blogoratti. And it's so true: the smallest act of kindness can make a wondrous difference and is not that hard to do. Good post.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post with some great advice. You just never know what other people are experiencing. A little kindness goes a long way. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Oh yes, a little kindness goes a long way and you may never know the good that it does for someone.
ReplyDeleteI am blessed with a happy heart and for me that joy comes from knowing Jesus as my Saviour. 😊
I'm heart broken by the news of Chester's death. The details are so sad.
ReplyDeleteWonderful and valuable post. So much so that I shared it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important topic.
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly.
ReplyDeleteI'll be sharing this important message.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post and advice my friend, Thank you for bringing this to our attention, it is a subject we all need and a little kindness does go a long way.
ReplyDeleteHi Blogoratti - depresssion is such a difficult challenge - and so desperate when it comes to people taking their life - I've experienced it close to hand ... but am so lucky that I don't get down, so so lucky. The Samaritans are an amazing organisation ... thanks for writing this up - I had read about Chester's sad demise.
ReplyDeleteExcellent you've advised that people can ring the Samaritans should they feel in need ..
Thank you - Hilary
Ich liebe das Lächeln, nicht traurig und deprimiert zu sein. Sogar ein gefälschtes Lächeln kann dich glücklich machen Ich empfehle es jedem.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a helpful write up. It is true that a little kindness goes a long way. In the business of living our lives, we often forget to be kind.
ReplyDeleteI've pondered thank you notes before but I think I'll seriously consider it now.
Really nice!!
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Excellent post. I do make it a choice of mine to be kind to everyone. A smile here and sweet word there matters so much not only to me but to the recipient also.
ReplyDeleteMB
I believe KINDNESS RULES like I posted in my post on July 16, 2017, for I feel it's of great importance to have compassion for others including for one's self, and is something one should think of often.
ReplyDeleteIt takes immense strength and bravery for a person to take his own life. Surely the people left behind are also victims but those who left where victims of depression and suicidal thoughts for long. More and more awareness should be given on this. The social stigma on mentally depressed people should be removed. More compassion and love and a helping hand should be spread.
ReplyDeleteI like what you shared, thank you!
DeleteSheethal Susan Jacob, We can never know what is going through a person's mind, but spreading goodness, and being aware of mental health issues, is a great step in the right direction, I agree completely. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and nice of you to visit.
DeleteWhat a wonderful post. It was very sad to hear about Chester of Linkin Park and prior to him even Chris Cornell. A smile and kindness goes a long way, you never know those lives that you can touch with a simple gesture. <3/Madison
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I don't know that I've ever heard a song by Linkin Park, but I, too, was saddened by this news. This is a beautiful post, and I wish it could be required reading. Kindness does indeed go a very long way, and often much further than we might ever imagine.
ReplyDeleteI read one time that grateful people are the happiest people. I believe this is true. We have so many blessings showering us each day, we just have to notice them when they come our way. And you're right, kindness always heals and is comforting. : Life is a gift, and something to appreciate always.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
This is such a helpful write up. It is true that a little kindness goes a long way. In the business of living our lives, we often forget to be kind.
ReplyDeleteRead more: http://blogoratti.blogspot.com/2017/07/why-little-kindness-can-make-big.html#ixzz4oFgfnNu3
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Wonderful words of wisdom. Thanks so much! Hugs...
ReplyDeleteA Little. Kindness. Can Make a. Big Difference. “It truly takes an entire community to provide the kind of care that children facing a life threatening illness require,.
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