Sometimes People Need Presence More Than Answers

Theme: Compassion

You may never know what others are going through.

Most people are satisfied with “fine” or “okay” when asking someone “How are you?”

Most people don’t look or listen for more.

More as in:

• Do eyes look happy, tired, troubled, or leave you wondering if you should ask another question?

• Does voice sound confident, shaken, too loud, too hoarse, uncertain…

• Was the person standing or sitting proudly, bent over, appear nervous, other…

• So many more possibilities or tale-tale signs that “fine” or “okay” was the expected response, not the actual state of how someone is doing.

What do you do when there is a need that you may or may not know what to say or do?

How do you feel when you see or hear a need and it’s beyond your ability to help?

Compassion doesn't require perfect words or immediate solutions. Sometimes, showing up with patience, kindness, a listening ear, or simply sitting beside someone in their pain can mean more than we realize. Presence reminds others they don't have to carry life's challenges alone.

If an ear to hear or your presence so they aren’t alone is enough…

Will you listen? Will you sit with them?

How do you show up for others?

Compassion isn't about fixing every problem. Sometimes it's about reminding someone they are seen, heard, valued, and not alone.

Compassion doesn't always have answers. Sometimes compassion simply stays.

From my heart to yours,

Dianne Lawson 💞