We are fragile. You and me.
Though we act strong,
our lives are held together
with thoughts of where we might be tomorrow.
And of disappointed yesterdays.
At any moment we might shatter.
We might fall to our knees
weighed down by the terror of being so far from our own control.
Dare we look up,
we'd not know where to go or what to do.
We are fragile, you and me.
If we were to turn to each other,
we might see the whole world on their knees.
Hurting, and seemingly alone.
But none of us are.
We are fragile together.
- unknown
I am on my knees. My pain and grief are real, my suffering is real. I know I can’t compare my suffering to that of anyone else; for everyone is suffering. We are all on our knees. Those who attack and criticise me as well as those who are kind to me. I take comfort from the certainty that the whole world is looking for the same things I am. I need your kindness just as you need mine. We are united in this.
I am grateful for the kindnesses others show me. Grateful that they are capable of such kindnessess, even in the midst of their own suffering. And I appreciate that. I appreciate that they are able to overlook my mistakes and missteps and can see me as being fragile like they are and forgive me for my failings.
I, also am capable of kindness, even though I, like everyone around me, am fragile, am on my knees. I don’t want anyone to suffer and I grieve when I wish suffering on someone else — and I have done that. I ask forgiveness for that failing and seek to forgive myself for it. I am grateful that I am able to show kindness from amidst my own fragility. I am grateful for this gift of human life, grateful that I can start anew, over and over again, when I have been mistaken and fallen short.
I write this so that I may add a small bit of hope and encouragement to all who are on their knees and looking for some encouragement and kindness. To all who read this know that I wish you well to the best of my ability to do so with words on the internet. I invite you to do the same.
Use your voice for kindness
Use your ears for compassion
Use your hands for charity
Use your mind for Truth
Use your heart for love.
— rumi