If you have ever made a controversial life choice you know how it feels when the whole world seems to be against you. During such times, that one person who reaches out and expresses faith in your decision makes all the difference.

During all other times in life, we may have multiple people supporting us in different ways. But the cumulative magnitude of all that support diminishes in comparison to that one person who shows that he/she understands our point of view and reinforces that we are not alone.

When no one believes in us, it slowly erodes our self esteem and confidence. That in turn affects the subsequent decisions we make. It can become a vicious cycle thereon. At that time, a lone voice saying “I believe in you” has the power to pull us out of the destructive spiral and carry us to solid ground again. Giving us the strength to move forward.

I was very fortunate to have been the recipient of such understanding and comfort during a dark period in my life. Its importance was reiterated to me recently when I saw how it fortified someone else during their hard times.

Let us be more understanding and compassionate of others’ life choices. We never know when we might be the one voice they needed to hear.