Some battles – a broken arm, chemotherapy – leave visible marks.

Most often, the battles that our coworkers fight are invisible – nonexistent to the naked eye.

For instance, there are too may statistics surrounding miscarriage, cancer, mental health, bankruptcy, divorce, and addiction that support the idea of kindness.

Be kinder than is necessary. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle.

If we knew what was going on in each other’s lives, do you think we’d be more kind to each other?

Brene Brown in her TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability said, “we are hardwired to connect with others.” She talked on the importance of sharing stories.

For most, these kinds of stories reveal flaws, mistakes, or an obstacle that was difficult to overcome.

While it might be challenging to get to know someone on a different level, stories are a powerful tool for teaching and reaching anothers’ heart and soul.

One’s story might explain why they reacted harshly in one situation but breaks out in sobs in another.

Stories have a way of influencing and inspiring others, while healing ourselves.
What might be one persons’ joy or tragedy could be someone else’s hope.

“The courage it takes to share your story might be the very thing someone else needs to open their heart to hope.”

Perhaps we can spend a little bit more time asking questions and listening to one another rather than talking and skimming over because deeply, we all want to be known.

It’s hard not to love someone after hearing their story in which everyone has a story.