Are You Okay?

In a world full of KONY campaigns, ice bucket challenges and no-makeup selfies, it's easy to forget that sometimes the most meaningful and effective way to change the world or save a life is to ask your friends, family members, loved ones, colleagues, acquaintances, even strangers in the street - are you okay? Not just to ask the question, but to really hear the reply. Not just today, but every day.
You don't have to have all the answers, you don't have to 'fix' anyone, you don't have to be a qualified counsellor or psychologist. You just need to genuinely care, and be open to having a conversation - even if it's awkward and scary and painful and sniffly. Reaching out, being vulnerable, showing kindness and compassion - these are qualities that we all possess deep down, and these are the qualities that could save a life.
Sometimes the spaces inside our heads and our hearts aren't big enough to contain all the thoughts and feelings and pain and sadness that we feel, and it's really hard to feel hopeful and connected and loved and worthy. But one person, three simple words, have the potential to change this, and maybe even save a life.