Unseen Sorrows: Unveiling the Hidden Struggles Around Us
Today I saw a post from a fellow Facebook user that read, "If we were given the chance to look into each other’s hearts, we would feel sorry for one another." This made me think about the people around me. For about an hour, I reflected on the people I met during the past month. Out of the approximately 20 people I encountered, many were struggling with life’s ups and downs.
I’m a nursing mother of a 1.5-year-old son, Shazil, who keeps me busy all the time, so I rarely manage to go anywhere. However, last month I had to visit the hospital more than ten times: twice with my son, three times for myself when I had measles with a high fever, shivering, and cough, and the remaining times with my mother-in-law as she was getting lenses in her eyes. Most of the time, we had to wait in a public waiting room for hours to see the doctor.
During this waiting time, I had conversations with people, mainly women, seated around me. Believe it or not, none of them were satisfied with their lives. Some were frightened by sickness, a few were dealing with financial issues and large medical expenses, and one beautiful girl was heartbroken because she hadn’t had a child after eight years of marriage and her husband was planning to marry again.
One lady I met was a doctor herself, with two children who were also doctors. Her son was settled abroad, and her daughter was suffering from domestic issues with her in-laws.
That post from a fellow social media user reminded me of the people I met and the various struggles they faced. It showed me the unseen battles that most people endure daily. The truth is, behind every smile, there is often a story of hardship, pain, and resilience. Those who are financially settled, who smile often, and who laugh loudly do not necessarily have a perfect life.
In the world of today, it’s easy to overlook the silent battles fought by those around us. Whether it’s financial difficulties, family issues, mental health struggles, illness, loneliness, or marital crises, almost everyone is dealing with something significant. Being aware of this can humble us, making us more respectful, kind, and helpful to others.
One of the most important virtues we can cultivate is empathy. Empathy allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity. As the renowned poet Rumi once said, "Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier." This quote beautifully captures the essence of how we should treat each other.
When we understand that everyone is fighting their own battles, we become more compassionate. We start to offer a helping hand instead of judgement, a listening ear instead of indifference. This shift in perspective can transform our interactions and relationships, creating a more supportive and loving community.
I always try to be as humble with others as I can be. Let’s all strive to be more humanist in our approach to life. Let’s be the ones who offer kindness without expecting anything in return, the ones who respect others regardless of their circumstances, and the ones who help without hesitation. As we do so, we not only uplift others but also enrich our own lives.
Let us remember that we are all in this together. The struggles we face may differ, but the need for compassion and understanding is universal. Let’s open our hearts and minds to the plight of others, and in doing so, we will find that we too will receive the grace and kindness we so freely give.
As the saying goes, "In a world where you can be anything, be kind." This simple yet powerful message serves as a reminder of the profound impact our actions can have on others. By approaching life with empathy and compassion, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and understanding that benefits everyone. Let’s make the world a better place, one kind act at a time.
May we all have peace of mind and prosperity. May life be welcoming and beautiful for everyone out here. Sending hugs and peace to all those who struggle in any way. And remember, wait for those particular sun rays that have brought you peace, dispelling the insecurities you’ve carried for so long! Your time will surely come one day, insha’Allah!
(This below picture of the sun rising, bringing peace and hope, is for all of you from my side of the world). ❤️🌍
