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SALT LAKE CITY — Far too often, I log on to check the news and come across the stories of individuals who have committed suicide. These young people whom their families describe as the kindest, most loving and selfless individuals, who took their lives to end their pain, fill my own heart with pain.
I believe what their families say. I believe that these people are some of the kindest individuals. I believe that they are selfless, but I also believe that they may not have felt that same kindness in return. I believe many of these victims were not apathetic people. I believe they cared so much that many of them couldn't stand the pain and hurt in the world any longer, and felt they had to let go.
What I wish these people knew, each and every single one of them, was that the world needed their kindness. That I needed their kindness. That the world changed forever when they left. The kindness of others has made a profound impact on my life.
Last week, as I went about my regular busy life, I noticed my toddler acting abnormally fussy. Upon further inspection, I realized she had a fever and was sick. I hurried to the medicine cabinet to get some medicine, only to discover I was out. I hurriedly loaded her up in the car and headed to the local Walgreen's to pick up some medicine for her.
My mind must have been wandering as I neared my turn and realized I was in the wrong lane and about to pass the store. I quickly flipped on my blinker, but with the rush of traffic just expected to have to go to the next light and flip around. But immediately, the woman in the car next to me slowed down and waved me in.
You are the kindness in this world. We need more people like you to be an example and bring back the light. No matter what you think, you matter, and the world needs you.
She didn't know I had a sick baby with me. She didn't know how incredibly stressful that day was for me. She didn't judge my poor driving skills or lack of attention. She just immediately saw a need to help and let me into her lane. That small act of kindness changed my attitude and my whole day.
It is these people, the kind-doers, those whose knee-jerk reaction is to help the person they see in need, that make this world a better place. It is the man who opens the door for me when he sees my arms full of a toddler, purse, diaper-bag, and coke trying to get out of the rain. It's the lady behind me in line at the doctor's office who offers to hold my daughter because she's frantically trying to lure me to the fishtank while I try to recite the correct address to the receptionist.
These people are all around us, yet they are often unappreciated. I believe they are the silent heroes of our society. They pick us up when we feel down. They lend us a hand when we're overwhelmed. Unbeknownst to the recipients of their kindness however, many of these people could use their own help dealing with their own battles. They are so quick to help everyone around them that often their own needs often go unmet.
If you ever feel down, or that you don't matter to the world, or that life is not worth living, I want you to think of the last act of kindness you did for someone. You made a difference. You changed their day, and you helped change the world.
Even if you may not be able to think of an act of kindness someone did for you, the world still needs you. You are the kind of person who can change this world. You inspire kindness in others, and that kindness can spread like wildfire.
Don't give in to the darkness around you. Don't believe yourself when you start to think that there is no kindness left in the world. You are the kindness in this world. We need more people like you to be an example and bring back the light. No matter what you think, you matter, and the world needs you. I need you.
Angela Silva is a BYU student, mother of a 1-year old daughter, and writer for Healthy Utah magazine.
