#LetsTalk

Can we talk for a minute? Yes, just you and me.

So many. So so many. Friends, family..how many struggle silently? Suffering and don’t feel like they can talk to anyone.

How do we live in a world like this? Connected but no connections. We are broken – evidently.

But we can help this situation. We can help our people. It won’t be perfect and the suffering won’t go away. But we can help.

I can’t even begin to fathom the pain and hopelessness and darkness that consumes like that of depression and other mental health struggles. While some try and fight their way out, others have tried and have been pushed back down, and still more no longer have the strength to even try.

But love overcomes the darkness.

What does love look like in these moments? Showing up. Listening. Not judging. Not criticizing. Maybe not even offering advice. Just..listen. And get your arms ready to wrap that person in nice and close.

Because we need to let them know how much they – you – are LOVED and WANTED and VALUABLE. On this side of heaven.

It’s okay not to be okay. Really, it is!

And this day – this movement is not only to share this message of courage to the suffering…it’s also to tell everyone else to stop wearing the judgy pants! To share the message of empathy and kindness that can win the wars. To encourage the art of conversation with the people we may see having a difficult time.

Once again, we can’t be scared to have these conversations – to ask. It could save someone’s life.

So in honour and in memory of those we’ve lost – ask. Then listen.

To find out more about what Bell Let’s Talk is doing in your community and for resources to assist you in engaging in conversations with someone you may be concerned about.. check out https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/toolkit

In loving memory of DJP 💙