Diya P

Emma Joseph

If you’re reading this, use humanity as a form of recovery. 

There are moments in life when we feel broken, lost, or overwhelmed. 

I have seen this not only in myself but in the people I encounter daily. Recently, I saw this as a Deacon Doula at the hospital. Watching someone bring a new life into the world is a powerful reminder that recovery, whether from pain, fear, or struggle, is rarely achieved alone. Even the smallest act of care, a gentle word, or your presence can give someone the strength to heal and move forward. 

Humanity, in its simplest form, is a force of recovery. 

Healing often begins in connection. I have witnessed patients regain courage simply because someone cared enough to notice them. A hand held during a contraction, a whisper of encouragement, a calm presence in a chaotic moment. Small acts, but transformative results. It reminds us that our shared humanity can provide hope in the hardest times. Recovery is not just physical; it is emotional and spiritual. 

We grow when we are seen, heard, and supported. And what is better than collective growth? 

Each of us has the power to help others recover. Sometimes it is through listening, sometimes through acts of kindness, and sometimes simply by showing up. Every effort creates a ripple of hope that can spread farther than we imagine. 

If you are reading this, remember that your presence matters. Your compassion, your attention, and your willingness to connect can help others rise from their struggles. By embracing humanity as a tool for recovery, we not only help others but also strengthen ourselves and our communities. Through care, empathy, and understanding, we can create a world where hope and resilience can fight life’s greatest challenges. 

So, in a world that breaks, be the hand that wakes.

 
               With hope and gratitude,

Diya P., Wake Forest University

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