Why I root for the vulnerable
You’re probably aware by now of some of the reasons I write character-driven novels and stories. People fascinate and inspire me in numerous ways, whether in my line of work and generally. But there are other reasons I engage on a personal level. So many people and animals are neglected, disrespected and unloved.
How come this still happens in our society? We’ve come so far in technological advances yet humanity lacks on many levels. WHY? What’s the reason(s) people aren’t as valued and appreciated as trends, technology and the usual populists?
Loneliness and lack of belonging increasingly ruin lives. I see it all the time in my line of work, around me and, sometimes, in my social life among friends and loved ones. It’s getting to the point, when I can’t help wondering, how it got so bad? Why are people more preoccupied with daily routines that cater around what we must do and fit into our busy lives? Yes. I’m guilty of that as well. Being part of daily events and routines that leave little time to engage with people I know want more of my time and presence. People I care about, yet somehow don’t always get the time and opportunity to spend time and engage with. I see it all the time: The loneliness and need to connect and belong, being part of someone’s life and be seen and heard. To know someone cares even if just for a short time now and then. To be visible and important to someone else.
My beloved late Mother always told me to live in the present. Not plan ahead too much and appreciate and make every day special. She told me, life’s for living. To never postpone until tomorrow what can be achieved today. To not wait for special times and wear my best clothes, now. Above all; to tell people I care about how much they mean to me when alive. Because it’ll be too late when they’re gone. She used to say, “Tell me you love me and give me compliments when I’m alive. It’s when it matters most. After I’m gone, it will be too late. Always be kind and respectful.”
She was right. It’s the reason I root for vulnerable people and animals. The ones that are left to fend for themselves. People and creatures that for some reason don’t get the same opportunities to thrive and be loved like you and me. The ones that are left behind, the beggars in the street, kids who get bullied because of the way they look and behave, adults who don’t subscribe to similar social behaviours, whose appearance, culture and background don’t fit in with everyone else. Prejudice and bigotry, racism and exclusion are as much part of lives as they always have been. I fear that will continue no matter how far we come in other areas. No matter how technically advanced and educated. Some people and creatures will be left behind and fend for themselves in an increasingly self-centred society and world. It saddens and infuriates me that people can be so cruel and ignorant.
The pandemic didn’t just happen. Everything’s connected. How people treat each other, climate changes, extinction of wildlife, wars, inhumane suffering and much more. We’ll experience many more catastrophic and dangerous pandemics, epidemics and everything else that can’t be prevented. What remains is how we act and respond to matters beyond our control. That we choose good over bad and ALWAYS treat others with respect.
I’ve been through some very tough times, with the loss of loved ones, a painful breakup, rebuilding my life and much more. All of it contributed to my own personal strength to continue and face up to what I had to do to survive. You see, I LOVE LIFE AND TRULY BELIEVE THE BEST IS YET TO COME. I STILL BELIEVE A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ARE GOOD AS OPPOSED TO BAD.
Tough times enable us to fight and never give up. The pandemic is dangerous, life-threatening and deeply distressing but we’ll get through it somehow. When life changes, for better or worse, I take strength from everything I’ve been through. When my marriage ended years ago I never believed I’d ever find fulfilment and happiness again. I did and much more than I could ever have imagined.
When I lost my parents one after the other in a relatively short time span, got divorced and ended up in intensive care after a routine examination, I never believed I’d survive. I did and gained much strength in myself and what I’m capable of.
I changed my life and can honestly say, I’m the happiest and most fulfilled I’ve ever been. Of course, I wish my parents could still be alive. I miss them all the time. Their wisdom, unconditional love and just being here for me. I love my day job and writing is my passion. Caring for others is part of my DNA.
So, next time you feel sad and lonely, look around you. Not everyone’s fortunate to have love and be loved. A kind word, telling someone they matter can make a big difference in someone’s life. Be that difference and you’ll discover a whole new meaning and sense of belonging.
Take very good care. I, as always, look forward to your comments.
With much love,
Hélene 💕