Some of us may not know it but we all belong to the Suicide Prevention community. We all make a difference in our own unique way. With every interaction, every smile, every kind word we shift the energy around us. By truly listening without judgement, creating a space for self-expression and understanding, with care and compassion we all can save lives.

Suicide is often a disease of loneliness. Modern values of individualism and capitalism perpetuate the feeling of being alone. Schools, universities and work places encourage competition as opposed to collaboration creating a higher sense of desperation and isolation. As a result each of us is more disconnected than ever before, not just with others but also with ourselves, blindly chasing time and seemingly important goals.

We look for individual wealth and glory. We look to be rich and famous. We look to leave a legacy that people will remember us by. But our true legacy lies in every life that we touch, in every interaction with another being, in each kind word, in every smile, in every authentic connection we form. Our legacy is in every person who gets hope because of us. The only true gifts we can give to someone, anyone, even a stranger are – our time and the gift of hope.