In the mix of this everlasting journey called life, so many parts of our lives can fall out of place as we are climbing to reach our fullest potential. One life component that people often let go of first is compassion. This element sits in our hearts as the reminder to embrace the pain of others as we sympathize and empathize with them during that low time in their life.

I believe that majority of human beings desire to be great, they want to live fulfilling lives, and they want to be  of service to others. After all, we are nothing without each other. Humans make up this earth. Without people we will have nothing. And because we are all human and not perfect beings, we are bound to have moments, days, months, times in our lives where we are uncertain of ourselves and the situations we are in. In these times we may need a shoulder to lean on, to cry on, for someone to show us love, a listening ear. But because everyone is so caught up in their own lives even a teacher next door or the co-worker in the cubicle next to you or your favorite barista can be dealing with a hardship. And unfortunately, their difficult life experience does not get the support it needs, because we are so wrapped up in our personal lives, our little problems, our own mountains that we must climb. That when we see the glitch in their eye, the smile that disappeared, the gloominess in their overall appearance we aren’t available even to say something as simple as “I miss your smile, hope everything is alright, I am here for you.” Sometimes those welcoming words may bring about a conversation or just the thought that someone notices me can make all the difference in a person, and they gain the courage to continue on to be a ray of light for the next person.

We are all meant to encourage in one way or another. It may not even be words, because sometimes we do not have the words to say, but a hug can do, a touch on someones shoulder, a pat on the back. These subtle things imply you care. You may not be able to express your concern with words, but you are able to with a touch. Seriously, this makes a big difference. I hate to see people down, or even on the phone, hearing it in their voice. When this happens, I express concern. And at least the person knows I am available if they need anything.

Another great gesture for displaying compassion when people are struggling can be in giving. My first year of teaching, I will never forget a teacher that gave me a nice gift full of some well needed goodies- a bath bomb, a loofah, a book, a journal, and an encouraging card that lit up my face. She saw where I was having a hard time, everything was a drag for me that year, and she showed compassion towards me by giving me that gift. But it does not always have to be that drastic. Just bringing your coworker, your child’s teacher, or a friend a cup of coffee, tea, a coke, donut, or muffin can brighten their day. I said coke because I know some ladies that will give you the moon if you bring them a coca-cola.

Honestly, it is just the little things that count. It is letting people know that you care. That you notice them. While we may think certain individuals are unbreakable, they cry too. Many of us are good at putting on strong faces. When people see that you care, that you see them, that alone will go such a long ways in that person’s life. You may be the one that truly gave them hope. And just knowing that you give another human being hope should be all the more reason to dish out compassion when the opportunity presents.

Let’s not allow our own lives to be the center of the universe, because it never will. While something may be on the news right now, believe in five minutes something else will take over the media. That’s just how fast our lives move. And that is just how fast you can choose to uplift your fellow neighbor.

Be compassionate Jewels. We only have one life to disperse love to one another. The beloved Maya Angelou said it best, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”