I make a really, really concerted effort to treat people how I want to be treated. I work to be empathetic, to close my eyes and put myself in someone else’s shoes. Anyone who knows me knows I am wildly sensitive to the needs of others. Largely because I know the lows I’ve faced and I’d never want anyone to feel how I have felt.

An eye for an eye makes the world go blind.

I am not a saint or a savior. But so often, more than I’d like to admit, I put people before myself. Colleagues, friends, family. Often I feel it is not recognized, or reciprocated.

Somewhat point defeating, but it’s exhausting constantly trying to…be a bigger person behind the curtains. To eat it and still try to be solid. To have your eyes torn out and not look to be vengeful. It’s a thankless job that we all have to do.

Not to be confused with being a doormat. But…a bit of appreciation goes a long way.