17 People Who Could Warm Up the Whole World, Even in the Winter

Regarding the MIL that got out of an abusive relationship: If that story inspires anyone to donate to such a cause, there are non-profits like this. Most people don’t realize it; we know about animal donations, homeless, food banks, even sponsoring a child in a 3rd world country but few have heard of centers for abused adults and children. Many have left an unsafe home in the middle of the night unable to bring even undergarments with them. We have one in our capital and it is amazing, this one also helps with job skills including creative things. People underestimate the pain and difficulty of leaving a bad situation, fear can keep someone in a relationship they know they shouldn’t be in but they don’t know they have support from others or a truly safe place to be. I know this from experience. I am still healing but so much better. I didn’t have to replenish belongings but I did have to take legal actions to prevent contact. (Order of protection protects more than just you, it protects your family, pets, workplace. It isn’t just the person staying a specific amount of feet away. I would imagine the durations can be longer than mine was but this is still advice that can save someone’s life) Heal in a safe place; the pain of ptsd/starting over financially and etc is better than the pain or staying with a horrible human being. There’s no excuse for abuse. Even if you think someone loves you in “their own way” you must protect your well being and any family that may be in the crossfire. I can’t tell you when to take that step, but abuse isn’t something you deserve, the torment isn’t something you should endure. You are a better person because of YOU not the abuser.

I also want to say that you don’t have to be at a certain stage of life to do a kind thing. Helping others isn’t about having a billion dollars so give. Time, a compliment, a hand, a smile, so many things can make a life breathe easier. I leave you with these two poems, often compared to each other.

He has achieved success
who has lived well,
laughed often, and loved much;
who has enjoyed the trust of
pure women,
the respect of intelligent men and
the love of little children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who has left the world better than he found it
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem or a rescued soul;
who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others and
given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction.
Bessie Anderson Stanley 1904

To laugh often and much;

to win the respect of the intelligent people

and the affection of children;

to earn the appreciation of honest critics

and endure the betrayal of false friends;

to appreciate beauty;

to find the best in others; 

to leave the world a bit better

whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;

to know that one life has breathed easier 

because you lived here.

This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson