Suffering in Silence

It’s always heartbreaking to hear the constant news of suicides in our country. It’s tragic and far too common these days. This topic came into full view this week with the tragic suicide of a celebrity especially known for his joy and positivity. How can someone so popular, beloved, positive, and joyful take their own life? Unfortunately, so many people suffer in silence. What we see on the surface isn’t necessarily what’s underneath.

I used to have a road rage problem. Just ask my friend Brook from our Memphis days…..yikes! When people would react obscenely or aggressively toward me, I would freak out. I’m lucky I didn’t get myself killed. Then one day, I heard someone say something that forever changed my perspective (and how I try to handle myself). When we cross paths with people throughout the course of life, we don’t know what they are dealing with at that moment. Today may be the worst day of their life. They may have just received heartbreaking news, experienced a broken relationship, lost their job, or a myriad of other circumstances.

I often get asked how I navigate my client relationships with empathy and patience. I think it’s primarily because I know people are dealing with lots of life. But in our coaching, that life (good, bad, and ugly) comes to the forefront. So while everyone else wonders why x person would make y decision, I have a front-row seat to what’s really going on behind the curtain. It’s a privilege and an honor, and one I don’t take lightly.

When you’re out living life, always remember that so many around you are suffering in silence. Just being aware of this fact allows us the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives. Or conversely, not make a negative impact on it.

I know today’s message isn’t as cheery as most days, but maybe that’s the trigger we each need today to be a force of encouragement and light to someone silently living in the dark.