I Like That You Exist

“You know who’s going through a lot right now? Literally everyone. Just be kind.”
That line stopped me in my tracks. I saw it in a meme online—just a simple, quiet reminder. But oh, how it resonated. Maybe it hits home for you, too.
Because let’s be honest—behind every smile, every social media post, every polite conversation, there’s often a hidden story. People are carrying more than we know.
Have you ever felt invisible? Like you were standing in a crowded room, yet no one seemed to notice you? Being ignored—whether intentional or not—can be more painful than outright rejection. At least rejection acknowledges your presence. Being ignored makes you feel as though you don’t exist at all.
The truth is, we often don’t mean to ignore others. We get caught up in our own lives, our own thoughts, and our own priorities. We don’t realize that someone, somewhere, might be longing for a simple moment of recognition—a nod, a smile, a word.
Imagine the quiet neighbour who always waves but never gets a wave back. The colleague whose contributions go unnoticed. The friend who reaches out but never hears a reply. These small moments of neglect add up, whispering a painful message: You don’t matter.
But what if, instead, we made a conscious effort to notice? To acknowledge? To let people know, in some small way, that they exist and that their existence matters? A simple “How are you?” A moment of eye contact. A kind word. These things seem small, but they can change everything.
So today, let’s make a choice. Let’s see people. Let’s remind them—through our words, our kindness, our presence—that we are glad they are here.
Because I like that you exist. And I hope you know it.
With purposeful kindness,
Sharon
Image by Freepik.