Growing up, I was a Sesame Street and The Muppets kind of gal. Last week, you may have seen social media blow up after the beloved red monster of Sesame Street, Elmo, posted, ‘Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?’ And friends, Elmo was not ready for the responses that came from this.
It made me think a lot. If you were someone who grew up with Elmo, or any other character, you feel this sense of safety with them that you may not have with others. When Elmo posted this, hundreds of thousands of people responded with what was happening in their lives - the good and the bad.
But you know what? Following the responses of those struggling, many others are replying to let them know they're not alone. There were people inspiring hope and sharing words of encouragement - how beautiful is that?
To me, it spoke volumes. We don't often ask ‘how are you?’ and wait for an honest answer. A year ago, Voices of Hope did a campaign focusing on just that - how are you, really? I think it's time to reapply this.
Take the time to stop and really listen to someone. If someone has the bravery to open up, listen to them. Be a safe person to allow others to be open and honest. As we saw with Elmo, you never know what someone's going through.
-Claudia
Voices of Hope wants you to know that you do not have to do this alone. Click here to 'find help' - it's not weak to speak!