In a world that can so often seem starved of compassion and basic humanity, it would be easy to have a bleak outlook on the future we are leaving for our children. With heartbreaking atrocities like the Manchester attack making headlines, we feel sickened with worry and fear. We think: what are we doing to each other?

In an effort to turn away from the horror that can be a daily broadcast in our lives, we seek out comfort and hope. We read quotes like that of Fred Rogers “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Such a quote is testament to the power of words in offering light during times of suffocating darkness.

When I have read that quote in the past it has conjured up images of emergency service men and women, heroic bystanders, foreign aide workers or volunteers helping to rebuild after destruction. My idea of a helper was limited to those responding in times of crisis, those ready to stand up tall and fight back against evil. And of course those helpers are incredibly important, they are saviours really.

My idea of helpers though has changed, because helpers are much more than that. Helpers are not just the people on the news, nor are they just those who help in times of greatest need, rather they are the everyday people doing great things right under our noses, in the communities that we live in.

They are the volunteers that bring companionship to the residents within aged care facilities. The ones who greet the sometimes forgotten great-aunts of the world with a smile and a story.

They are the people who donate their time to helping those less fortunate, organising food and shelter and basic human rights to some of our most vulnerable people.

They are the ones organising community events for no other reason than to support their fellow townsfolk.

They are the employers who nurture their staff and the employees who go above and beyond.

They are the extended family members and friends who know it takes a village to raise a child, they want to be your village.

They are the angels who leave a meal on your doorstep or bench when they know you are going through a difficult time.

They are the patient people who let you go in front of them in the line, or offer a smile when you’re child is being a little unlikeable, or don’t toot you because you missed the green arrow. The people who remind you that the one percenters don’t matter.

They are the people who donate blood, door knock for charitites and dress up as Santa just to see the looks on kids faces.

They are the team mates who will graciously sit their time on the sidelines while you get more time on the court or field. Sometimes you forget, but you couldn’t be there without them.

They are the coaches and committee members of sporting and recreational clubs that do a power of work so that you can enjoy something you love. People with their own families and jobs, carrying their own baggage, who put it all aside to help run their club. People who when the chips are down, will be criticised openly by some, discreetly by others.

Our communities are only as good as the helpers within them. They are the role-models who inspire me to be a better person, and thankfully, they are everywhere.

If you look for the helpers you will see them.

If you are a helper, thank you. You make the world feel beautiful again.

Eliza xx

 Photo: Holding Hands, Heroism Wiki, Fandom powered by Wikia.