Pull up a chair and get uncomfortable. We need to take care of a bit of business.

Let’s pause and accurately account for our awareness of and interest in others.

Let’s start by looking at those around you who you genuinely care for. When was the
last time you checked in? Did you ask how they were? Did you ask how they really
were? Were you actually interested or checking a box so that you could fast-forward to
what you really wanted to talk about?

Our culture moves faster all the time. We get our information and news from Twitter/X
posts that consist of a maximum of 280 characters. We eat lunch at our desks. We go to
work, race to youth sports, drive through for dinner, speed home, switch the laundry,
return some emails and go to bed. Rinse and repeat.

For better or worse, we are used to a pace of life that allows us to pack everything in.
We are so busy doing that we have very little time for just BEING.

Something I am learning from my teenage son (of all people) is to have a genuine
curiosity about the well-being of others. I began to notice it during the pandemic. He
was sincerely concerned about the people in his life. He would ask how a family
member was doing, and I could observe him actively listening. His body language
showed eye contact, leaning in, waiting patiently to hear. Often, he was on FaceTime,
but if he wasn’t, his phone was down—engaged. Curious.

This kind of authenticity is the first step to creating a safe space for sharing when a
person is struggling. There are so many feelings that come along with anxiety,
depression, and thoughts of suicide—shame and fear being primary. There is often a
desire not to be burdensome. When you are engaged, it opens a door for hard truths.

This part is the hardest… when someone opens up about their struggle, they have the
courage to ask tough questions. “Have you considered taking your life?” “Have you
made a plan?” Believe me. It’s incredibly scary to say those words to someone you
love, but what if by creating a safe place, demonstrating genuine interest, and asking
the hard questions, you help save a life?

The next question is, “How can I help?”. Followed by, “I love you.”
Someone you know is silently crumbling under the weight of the unbearable. Slow
down. Check on your friends. Be sincere. Be a good listener. Be prepared to help. Love
people just as they are.

For a list of resources – click here.

Take care of each other and yourself!