Please listen to what i have to say.
There is much love in listening. I was walking up the hill to my apartment just last week when i spotted the figure of a guy (around 19–i’m 18) sitting on the sidewalk with his head slightly lowered. We made eye contact and i muttered “How’s it going?”
Now, few actually realize the potential power residing behind that simple question. Yet we’ve been conditioned to expect a “good” or “fine.” I was certainly taken aback when he replied with a weary “Not good…”
All i managed was a concerned grunt as i continued walking past while looking back confusedly over my shoulder towards him. A few hundred feet past him, i realized that i had made a mistake. I quickly scrambled up to my apartment to grab what i had ventured to get and vowed to talk to this guy who was obviously reaching out and looking for someone who cared.
On the way down, i was nervous that he would not give me the time of day. I was about to put my neck on the line. As i approached the place i had seen him sitting, i was glad and a little disconcerted by the fact that he was still there. From a little ways off i ventured a “What’s wrong?” I could hardly believe it when he picked his head up and began to pour his heart out. I listened to every word. All i did was listen. He spoke of his issues in his present classes. Pressure was surrounding him both from his family back home and from himself. He had failed the previous semester, and was anxious about the mounting possibility of repeating his mistake. This was his second and last chance to prove to himself and the world what he was capable of. I certainly felt for him, and offered some kind, meaningless words.
We parted after exchanging names and i could tell that his heavy load had been lightened. He even graced me with a slight smile. It meant more than words could ever describe.
I wanted to share this story with you because i believe that it is these small things that will make the world a better place. Cliches aside, if we can simply reach out and lend a hand to someone slipping away, the darkest of times are made bearable. Sometimes all we need to realize is that somebody, anywhere, cares about our plight. That our battle is in fact worth fighting even though it seems the weight of the world is against us. Please take this story and remember it for the next time you come across a fellow in need.
I have seen this guy on numerous occasions since our first meeting, and each time he shares a bit about his current condition with a smile. The last time i saw him he told me that it is “much better” now. Reach out, as it is the simplest and most logical thing to do.
This open post was written 11 months, 3 weeks ago | V/U/S: 194, 6, 5 | Edit Post | Leave a reply | Report Post
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