When was the last time you helped someone carry their groceries? Held the door open for a
stranger? Or even simply gave someone a genuine smile? At first glance, these may seem like minuscule,
meaningless interactions but they hold the immense power to unknowingly change the trajectory of
someone's entire life. Take Kevin Hines for example, on an average Monday he decided that he would
take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge unless someone, anyone, asked if he was okay or
simply gave him a smile. He didn’t hide his struggle from the shallowness of the world as he openly cried
on a forty-minute bus ride. All it would take was just a glimmer of human connection, a lifeline to pull
him back from the brink. But as he walked to his final destination, only one woman had talked to
him–only to ask him to take a photo, highlighting the scarcity of genuine human connection and the lack
of simple kindness our society has. Fortunately, Kevin survived and with the help of a seal, was held up
until the Coast Guard arrived and took him to the hospital. Why did the salvation of hospitality arrive
after this man's harsh, final decision? In the form of a creature that some may argue isn’t even close to the
level of consciousness of a human being. In that moment of despair, it wasn’t the grand gestures that
mattered, but the simple acts of compassion that held the power to rescue a soul from the depths of
despair. Animals most certainly don’t hold themselves to the same harrowing expectations of society and
yet this seal exhibited an instinctual act of kindness, solely by innate compassion, which another human
soul was not capable of doing. It’s difficult for humans to genuinely connect with one another or even
show a glimpse of compassion without believing that they must gain something in return, instead of
simply showing love just because we’re blessed with the capacity to do so.
You don’t necessarily have to donate thousands of dollars to charity or donate a kidney, but
simply just show someone that you are there, that you see them. In a world where negativity and cynicism
often cloud our perceptions, it's easy to succumb to automatic judgment and let the rain of pessimism
drench our spirits. However, we must trek through the storm to see the sun–and remember our innate
nature of empathy, compassion, understanding, and love. Whether it's offering a listening ear to a friend in
need, lending a shoulder to cry on, or simply offering a smile to a stranger passing by, each act of
kindness ripples outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully comprehend. It's these moments of
connection, born out of genuine care and empathy, that remind us of our shared humanity and the
profound impact we can have on one another's lives. Bolster the warmth of your heart, allow others to
experience your kindness, allow yourself to experience your kindness, let that “minuscule” action change
someone’s life. In the end, it’s love and compassion that truly make life worth living–so give kindness,
because you are love.
Kevin Hines' Story
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
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