how HONY made me feel

Anybody else felt particularly moved by the Humans Of New York updates of late?  I mean, I know they’ve always been moving, or touching, or terrifying, but seriously, these lately have just been downright shocking.  The kind that hit you right in the feels.  For those of you who’ve been living under a rock don’t know what HONY is, go look here.  Brandon (the mastermind behind it all) is currently sharing refugee stories across Europe, and I’m regularly finding myself with jaw dropped, staring at the photos on-screen and thinking about what I’ve just read.  It gets you thinking, so I thought I’d share a few of said thoughts.

— The world has a scary number of people who hurt others.  Why why why why why?  Reasons are complicated and date back decades I know.  I’m in no way knowledgeable enough to delve into debate on current affairs, but hurting others is the fundamental problem isn’t it?  Just why?  Ugh.

— The world also has a heartwarming number of people who will go to great lengths to help complete strangers halfway across the globe.  Just hours ago this horrific story of a shooting was shared, and already arrangements are being made to transport the victim to Germany for neurosurgery.  Help is needed and help is offered, and that’s a very good thing about humanity.

— My ‘problems’ are nothing.  Like genuinely NOTHING.  Yes, I get stressed and stuff goes wrong and I feel rubbish sometimes.  Don’t we all?  But I have my health, my family and a roof over my head so I should really shut up complaining.  I really am in no place to whinge and whine.  I could be a refugee in a plastic boat, having watched my family die and struggling for my survival.

— Everybody – yes I’m damn sure EVERYBODY – has an interesting story to tell.  Not one person fits neatly in a box.  Everybody’s outlook on life is different.

— You really do know nothing about what the stranger on the street is going through.  Mentally, physically or emotionally.  Never ever EVER judge a book by its cover.  Difficult not to make assumptions (positive or negative) I know, but there always seems to be a plot twist at the very end.

— Childrens’ minds are fascinating (and sometimes heartbreaking).  As is childrens’ dress sense.  (Not heartbreaking, that is – but definitely fascinating).  Love the ‘Today in Microfashion’ shots.

— One ordinary man can have a hell of a lot of influence these days.  Way to go, Brandon.  Way to go, Internet.

— How are barbaric things still happening today?  We’re used to learning about tragedies like the Holocaust in history lessons and hearing horrific tales of the past.   I guess it’s easy to forget that awful practices still happen though.  Like these tales of bonded labour, and obviously the terror surrounding the Syrian crisis and refugees.

— What you see in the news might be shocking, but reading stories from the people themselves is a whole ‘nother thing.  Their words = their feelings.

— If only it were easier to help and have more of an impact.  This is what I meant in my letter to my 80 year old self, when I said I wanted to do something that might make even a pinch of a difference.  Something much much more than small donations, at some point in my life.  We’re all humans, we all have a duty to take part, don’t you think?

— In some ways times are a-changing.  People are liberated and able to do things they wouldn’t have in decades gone by.  And that’s refreshing.  Like this inspiring woman – Leila Araghian who designed the Tabiat Bridge in Iran at age 26.

— You can tell a lot about someone’s feelings from their expression and body language.  Especially their eyes.  Smiles are beautiful.

— Bad things aside, more often than not faith in humanity = restored.  There are a terrifying amount of bad people out there, but there are good eggs, too.  Exceptionally good eggs.

[All photos from Humans of New York, obviously 🙂 ]

lily kate x

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