Empathy and compassion are at the core of what makes us caring human beings. If our quest to make the world a better place doesn’t embrace caring from the heart and honest commitment, situations can fall apart, or end in harm or violence.

We’re all worthy of being treated gently and with kindness. During the awkward pauses that accompany challenging life moments, humour and kind-spirited laughter at ourselves and with others is a valuable commodity, especially when times are tough.

It’s a beautiful thing to acknowledge that we’re all imperfect, error-prone human beings; each of us making our way through life. It’s no wonder that cultivating humility within ourselves and in our day-to-day interactions with others helps us stay grounded.

Fuelled by the best intentions, it can still be challenging to feel confident that we’re taking the appropriate action. “Doing the right thing” becomes clearer when our intentions are in line with sharing power, rights, and influence, with the recipients of our good deeds.

There’s genuine suffering in my community and throughout the world. I’m inspired by the people who have generously allowed me to hear their stories of trauma, pain, survival, and hope. Yes. I’ve helped them, but their openness and honesty has helped me.