Every woman has, at one point or another,

Felt deep doubts and deeper despair.

While others were busy either gossiping about her or ignoring her,
She has sobbed in the car

cried countless tears in the car

swallowed her own tears while talking to the other with a big smile 

She has wiped away her tears and showed up for:

Work every single day.

Soccer practice.

A bake sale.

The volunteer job at the hospice.

Supporting a friend having a hard time.

She might be crying inside but she wipes her tears away when interacting with people.

She may be feeling as if her heart is sinking, yet her smile appears bright.

She would talk to people, listen to their stories and concerns and give the most suitable advice.

No one would have the inkling that she has been crying a while back and that she is sad.

While you may think, say and admire how strong this woman is.

…how good she is at hiding her pain.

You marvel how she has kept things together.

But the truth is that she needs support.

She needs to be heard and held and consoled.

So be kind to that woman with a brave front!

She might be fighting a tough battle, without anyone knowing about it.

Hug her, tell her that you are proud of her.

Tell her how much you appreciate her efforts.

Tell her that you are there for her….

…if she ever

….needs to talk!

…needs a shoulder to cry on!

She might be keeping it together with the help of thinnest thread of patience, the smallest shred of dignity.

Show her compassion.

Show her empathy.

Make her feel valued, appreciated.

Make her feel better!

It’s the threads of compassion, empathy and that bind together acquaintances and strangers.

 These threads seem fragile and invisible…

But on a hard day, these threads of compassion can make all the difference.

These threads of care would lessen the pain, make a difficulty bearable.  

You may not see them, but you can feel them around you…

when someone asks how you have been doing.

Or, tell you how much they appreciate you and your contribution.

Be the person to help to someone who is sad or having a hard time.

Sometimes, this could be the lifeline they need.