A CARING CIRCLE

I wasn't planning to write about this today, but a lot has happened which has led to me writing this. I am writing it out of a concerned and caring heart for each and everyone of you out there.

Times are not getting easier for anyone, especially with the current global economic downswing. Many people have gotten used to the life they had before and sometimes it's just too hard to downgrade. Many who have put up a front of living the good life cannot/do not want to live anything less. And this has created a very big problem which many are not aware of. Abuse and psychological issues.

We often see those around us, including friends, showing off the good life on. Be it in person or on social media, these people always seem to be happy. And we as they close friends or loved ones, encourage such behavior. Our comments, and behavior around these people, though not meant to harm, actually do harm. We are often not too real with these people. And sometimes they do not feel free around us. What we need is an open environment with loved ones. A real environment of truth and openness wherein we are all free to express how we feel.

With regards to women, this good life chase, can at times be a mask to hide the abuse. And if we as such a person's friends do not make her feel free enough to open up without fear of shaming, then we are failing as friends. Both male and female friends of such a person should make the person feel free enough to talk about anything. We need to be real friends to those around us, and not just the 'rich' one but all of our friends. There have recently been many cases of women who were being abused but hiding behind the good life. There are many more out there, and it takes you and me by being friends to actually get these people to open up. And when they do, we ought to make them feel protected, with no shaming or judgments.

Another issue is with regards to emotional and psychological states. This is something that can affect anyone, and society doesn't want to openly talk about it. Many people who took their lives could've been saved had they had good friends who listen. Often times we can tell when someone is not alright. But instead of making the person feel free to open up and reassuring them our love and protection, we carry on as if everything is normal. And when we lose the person, we then want to claim we loved them. Sometimes it takes just a hug and reminding your friends how much you love them, in order for them to open up.

I urge you all to go out and be positive and observant. Go and be great support system. Be real with those around you. Remind them that it's okay to cry and ask for help. Show them your support and protection. You will save someone's life by doing so. Create an open environment which encourages speaking out. Do not be that person who shows love as the coffin goes down. Show the love while the person is still around. Let's us go and change the world and make it an environment where we all grow together and take care of one another.

WITH LOVE...
Mbuelo Ramafamba