Desperation & The Quiet Power of Empathy & Kindness

Recently, I saw a video that deeply resonated with me. A single mother, clearly doing her best, was celebrating an evening dinner treat at a restaurant with her children, offering what she could afford. The kids wanted more than what she could provide. In a moment of empathy, a stranger whispered in her ear silent words of encouragement & offered to pay for their meal, asking not to be thanked in front of the children. This small act of kindness struck me because it mirrors the unseen struggles of those facing addiction recovery and mental health challenges. The clip also reminded me of acts of kindness I have received during my recovery from Addiction and Mental Ill-health.

Behind the Scenes of Recovery

As someone who is a Proud Recovering Addict, I know firsthand what happens behind the scenes. Recovery is a costly journey, and not just emotionally. There’s medication, often expensive and lifelong. Therapy is another ongoing expense, crucial for managing mental health and maintaining sobriety. For many of us, unemployment is an added weight—we’re not just trying to rebuild our lives, we’re also trying to rebuild our financial stability.

Beyond the financial burdens, there’s the invisible work of healing relationships. Trust is fragile, often broken beyond repair. Some face divorce, separation and estrangement from their significant others and children, and deep separation from other loved ones. While others try to forge new connections, move forward, and create new lives while carrying the weight of their past. The journey to redemption is long and painful, and many struggle to balance their emotional healing with physical recovery, often needing costly occupational and/or physical therapy to heal broken bodies.

The Unseen Kindness of Strangers

What this video reminded me of was the quiet acts of empathy and kindness I’ve received during my journey. Strangers who offered kind words of encouragement and support, professionals who praised my advocacy work and shared their experiences and wisdom, and family and friends who stepped up to help, especially when I was desperate, downtrodden and low on morale. A special recognition goes to those who offered to help me without being asked to by me or others on my behalf. These are the moments that sustain us when we’re quietly fighting battles behind closed doors.

In the book “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs.” By Johann Hari, a British journalist and author. He explores addiction and argues that social connection and community are key to overcoming addiction. I urge you to read this book to further understand my premise, that empathy and kindness go very far in helping those struggling with mental health, addiction and life challenges.

Mwangaza Wa Sunday: Recovery Support in Action

At Mwangaza Wa Sunday, we aim to create a space where people can find both professional and community-based support. We know that recovery fails when one embarks on this journey in isolation—it’s a communal effort. Just like the patron in the video, we at Mwangaza Wa Sunday believe in helping without seeking recognition, offering support because it’s needed, and not for praise.

A Call to Act: Offer Kindness, Not Credit

When you see someone struggling—whether it’s a parent like the one in the video, or someone battling addiction, mental health and life’s struggles, or perhaps a caregiver or —step up. Offer help where you can, even if it’s just a word of encouragement. You don’t need to be thanked. You just need to act. A thank you should be the bonus and not the motivation to act kind and empathetic. Recovery and healing are not solo journeys I repeat. Such journeys require all of us to be willing to help, even when the other person hasn’t asked. Your quiet act of kindness could be the support they didn’t even know they needed.

Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/8LCoKU1WMJ4kCNgR/?mibextid=LvJtn9