The way I live my life

It takes a village to raise a child

During the years I spent working with NGOs, living across the Caribbean, Malawi, and Uganda, I came to truly understand that phrase. I might have heard the proverb before, but it was there that I saw it in action every single day: everyone took responsibility for how the children of the community were growing up.

In a quieter, less obvious way, the same thing happens everywhere in the world. Kids grow up watching adults even when we don't notice. Without us actively teaching them, they learn from our manners, our reactions, and our examples what it means to be part of a society.

As we get older, the phrases we heard as children take on a different weight: "They are going to be the leaders of the future," or "They will be in charge one day." Looking after the younger members of our communities isn't just a duty, it's essential for our shared future.

We are kids that grow older

It sounds simple, but it’s true. As we age, responsibilities pile on: jobs, deadlines, bills, expectations. Yet underneath, we still carry many of the same dreams and fears we had when we were children.

And just as it takes a community to raise a child, it takes that very same community to make sure the grown-up is doing okay, too.

What we all keep quiet

Most of us keep it hidden, almost like a secret: how hard life can feel, the quiet suffering, the friction of our daily routines. We’ve all been there at least once, for a few minutes, a few days, or sometimes years, wondering what it’s all for.

In Spanish, there's a saying: "Cada cabeza es un mundo" (every mind is a world of its own). It really is. We rarely know what someone else is carrying, but we get so caught up in our own world that we forget to look outside it.

We don't know what's going on behind the eyes of the university medical student, the cashier at the grocery store, or the neighbor walking their dog. It's easy to assume their absence wouldn't matter. But take a moment and think: what happens if that future doctor isn't there tomorrow? Or the person running the neighborhood market? Or your neighbor?

Every one of us is an essential piece of the puzzle. We are a community, and caring for each other isn't just empathy, it keeps the whole structure standing.

The way I live my life

We can't solve everyone's problems or make their lives painless just by asking how they are. But we can make the brief moments we share with them the best part of their day, whether that interaction lasts thirty seconds, three minutes, or an hour.

The goal is simple: that for a small fraction of their day, their shoulders drop, their job feels a little lighter, and they feel seen.

Whenever I speak to someone who is working, at a counter, in a shop, or behind a desk, my aim boils down to two things: make those few minutes of their shift a little more enjoyable, and make them feel that what they do actually matters. If the food is delicious, say it. If someone is working hard, acknowledge it. Everyone likes knowing their effort didn't go unnoticed.

Whenever I pass someone on the street, I try to catch their eye and smile. I want them to know someone noticed them and values their presence. Whenever I have the chance, I ask how someone is doing, thank them for good service, or just share a quick laugh about the weather.

And this doesn't stop when we step away from the street.

I’ve always liked almost every post and story from the people I follow. I’m a total fan of my friends, not just because of what they post, but because I love the fact that they’re living something they felt was worth sharing.

Lately, though, with so much negativity floating around, I’ve taken it a step further. When I come across accounts or creators I don't even know, especially people just starting out with barely any followers, I leave a couple of likes and a genuine, encouraging comment. I might not even follow them, but leaving a few kind words tells them someone saw their effort, that what they’re creating looks great, and that it’s worth continuing.

The internet is already full of noise and criticism. Imagine what would happen if we used that same space to quietly infect it with love and encouragement instead.

Maybe it’s my own kind of selfish wish, but I hope that before those people close their eyes at night, they can look back on their day and think, that was the best part of today. Imagine if we all tried to be that bright spot for someone we don't even know. The world would look completely different.

As for me, when I go to bed, I just hope the world doesn't feel too heavy for everyone tonight. I want people to know that someone would notice if they were gone, that their presence matters, and that tomorrow can be better.

And that is why I decided to write about this

We might not know each other, but I wrote this for you, too. If things feel heavy right now, you're not exaggerating. If it feels like too much, I believe you, and I also believe you can get through it.

You don't have to carry it all by yourself, because you are not alone. It took an entire community to raise us, and as part of that community, it's our duty to make sure you're doing fine.