No matter who we are and where we come from, our hearts are yearning to make a difference in this world. Our own lives would have been shaped by our own struggles and the struggles of those we love – it is part of who we are- it is what has made us resilient. It is not something to runaway from, but something to embrace so we can honour it.

Some of us have been lead to believe that unless we make a huge impact, our lives would have been wasted, but it is the small things in life that that truly make a difference. The simple acts of kindness we do every day, but we think it is just nothing and take it for granted. Those around us notice teh difference we make, so why don’t we?

There are two worlds that are presented to us on this journey called life, the world of fear and the world of love. Do we get up every day and make a decision based on fear or do we trust that things will work out in some way so we can embark on the journey where everything we long for is already there. Most of the time we open the door of fear and live the life where fear is the major driving force.

In life we have choices, some of which are very hard to make, and we don’t know which way each choice will take us unless we open that door and step into the unknown , trust and hope that all challenges that come across teh path we chose will serve their purpose in some way and that we will be more than ok when we look back at it one day.

We look outside of ourselves to find courage and do what it takes to live the life we are meant to live.  We forget simple things in life make a huge difference. We forget that our smile lights up another’s world and it makes them feel loved in the moments when they can’t feel that anyone cares.

Our friendly gaze makes another feel acknowledged so they can feel that there are people out there who genuinely care. Most of all our hug, that human touch that makes us feel safe and cared for, and that simple act of caring… listening even from a person you don’t know makes you feel the compassion that gives you the strength to let go of what you cannot control,  in the moments when things feel impossible or feel afraid that you may not make it through another day.

That simple touch, a hug, heart connection and empathic wave that you have- those are your strengths – they are the power that can transform us us and can uplift another human so they know that someone out there, even though they may be a stranger, truly cares.

When you think you’re weak, remebmer that immeasurable strength sits within you. When you seek courage, that courage exists already within you, when you seek love, that love already exists within you, but you cannot see it because you fear that if you loved yourself just the way you are, you will accept yourself for who you are, instead  the version you think you need to be covered in various shades that dim your light, just to fit in.

There is no shame in being different. There is no shame in feeling someone else’s pain, struggle and sorrow. There is no shame in avoiding noisy environments, in having a finely tuned nervous system, or in feeling overstimulated in crowded places. But there is a loss to the world in hiding your brilliance from the world itself because you have been lead to believe that these traits you own make you weak or less than who you truly are.

When you realize you are simply human and nothing more than perfection of life , and that God has created you just the way you were meant to be, you realize there is so much more in you and what you already hold within are the gifts that are truly unique and are meant to be. With the gifts of empathy, compassion and care, you will understand that you are the one holding the power to change your own life and make your inner world and the world we live in a better place filled with possibility .

When you stand in the mirror, looking at yourself unsure of you are or who you have become, let go of your mind and open your heart and let it speak to you the wisdom it holds. Let that courage, strength and love come from within and guide you towards being just yourself instead of wearing a mask that hides your intrnal beauty.  When you do that, your life will start to unfold in miraculous ways as you start to see yourself and your challenges from the place of love ,compassion, and empathy , instead of fear. So give yourself permission to feel it.

Our minds are powerful in distorting our reality and making us believe that we are flawed and at times not worthy of anything, but our hearts are stronger as they hold the magic that helps us embrace all different parts of us with compassion so we can stop comparing how we should be and accept our whole ourselves with the good, the bad, and the ugly for they are all signs of being a human that is truly unique.

For some it is about changing thousands of lives, for others is about changing our own and finding a way to accept and honour who we already are: wonderful and capable human beings.

Empathy is the biggest power one could have. Many spend years, and even money trying to learn what you already carry within. To you, it comes naturally. So give yourself permission to embrace it and own it. Empathy is not a weakness; it is our biggest strength… and love…love is not something we must earn, it is something we already have, we just have to open our hearts to it..

Because of you, and the power you hold within, this world is a better place, even if you don’t realize it. You have helped, you have guided, you have created bridges where others saw no possibility. Because of you, at least one person goes home feeling heard and seen. Because of you, a ripple begins , the one that goes far beyond anything you could imagine.

Do you ever wonder what happens when you give someone else the gift of empathy? And have you ever wondered what would happen if, the next time you stood in front of the mirror you offered that same love you give to others, without any force, not earned but from the heart… to you my dear, as naturally as you give it to others so freely and naturally.

Be proud of who you are, honour all parts of yourself, and love yourself unconditionally.

Are you with me on this?

Larisa Sipek