"Just be the freaking person that cares more. Be the person who tries harder, loves stronger, gives more of a shit than all the half-alive people who surround them. Be the person who answers their messages, shows up to commitments and doesn't leave others hanging or guessing at their vague intentions... because the last thing this world needs is one more indifferent person" - Heidi Priebe
I'll be the first to admit that having a big heart isn't all sunshine and rainbows. More often than not, the pain of having a big heart will bring you to your knees, gasping for air between sobs because you care too deeply for everyone around you. Having a big heart will keep you up at night and distract you during the day, but despite the heartache, I wouldn't change having a big heart for anything. Having a big heart makes me who I am and it is the most rewarding thing in the world.
So, to everyone reading this, go out of your way to do something nice for someone you care about. Send that text, write that letter, make that call, buy that cup of coffee, buy that gift, check in on your people and make sure they know that they're not alone. Little actions like these can make all the difference in the world. What takes you 10 minutes will leave an everlasting impression on them.
I promise you will never regret being a good person.
But you might regret not showing your gratitude. As scary as this might seem, you never know when the last time will be the last time. Dying is a part of life and you never know when someone's time will run out so say the things you feel while you still can. Let your friends know that you think they are remarkable human beings, tell your parents that you love them, tell your professors all that they've done for you, tell your boyfriend or girlfriend that they light your soul on fire. Don't leave anything unspoken because our time here is limited. Stop thinking you have forever and start living as though tomorrow is never promised.
Remember, there's nothing more beautiful than being desperate, than being vulnerable. And there is nothing riskier than pretending not to care.