I used to write for therapy. I used to write because it was the only way to release my anger. I used to write because I was one of those people who have been broken over and over again. But now that I have mastered how to pick up the pieces of my heart and soul, I now write to mend the rest of the world.Finally comfortable in my own skin, I spend a lot of time observing humans, or the humans we once were, and I came to a few conclusions: -We have lost our sense of compassion for those less fortunate. -We have lost respect for elders and those with authority. -We have been brainwashed with the concepts of fame and fortune and feel the need to maintain a social status.-We have distorted what beauty really means and concentrate on outer appearances, rather than the worth we have not yet discovered inside. Many of us have just forgotten what it means to be human and it really takes just the simplest tasks. Buy that bum a hot meal, as it could be his saving grace before he freezes to death. Talk to that boy sitting at the lunch table alone; he may just need a friend as he sits there contemplating how to end his life. Pay for that mother's groceries as she had to make the decision to feed her children or pay her bills. You never know what someone is going through and sometimes we can't always tell by looking at them.There are many people suffering in silence. Those with ailments we cannot see. I have been a caretaker for my husband, who is still recovering from a head injury from a work accident two years ago. Our entire lives have changed and he cannot enjoy all the things we used to because of the symptoms he still suffers with. It has made me more aware of those with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), who have to be cautious with their way of life. Concerts, fireworks, loud restaurants and so many places and events that may seem normal to most, are the enemy for them. They have to live with anxiety and figure out ways of escape when they try to mingle with the public. We "normal" humans need to take a few moments to realize that there are people with more than one type of pain; those who cannot function in society because of afflictions they cannot control. Don't treat them like freaks or shun them because it is inconvenient - they are human too. An encouraging word can make all the difference. A smile or a hug could mean the world to some. Just acknowledging that they exist could make a positive impact. A little time and patience is not too much to ask. All it takes is a small amount of love and kindness to make the world a better place by changing one life at a time.