It’s disheartening—deeply so—to realize that many people only extend their hand when there’s something in it for them. That the help we so freely give, the love we pour out without hesitation, is often met with silence when we are the ones in need. It stings. It makes you question things. It makes you wonder if kindness is truly appreciated or if it’s just another currency people use when it benefits them.

I’ve felt it. That moment when you finally ask for help, not for anything grand, just something small, something simple, and the response you get makes you regret even opening your mouth. You start to feel like a burden, like maybe you should’ve just struggled through it alone. And maybe that’s the worst part—not just the lack of help, but the feeling of being foolish for expecting it in return.

But here’s what I want to remind myself, and you, if you’ve felt this too: Cry if you need to. Feel it. Process it. But don’t let it harden you. Don’t let it steal the kindness in your heart or make you question the purity of your giving spirit. We don’t do what we do for validation. We don’t give out of expectation. We give because it’s who we are. And no amount of disappointment should change that.

Keep holding on. Keep being the light, even when the world seems to dim around you. Keep your head lifted and your heart pure. Wipe the tears away and let go of the negativity, the sadness, the hurt. It doesn’t deserve to take root in you. You will get through this, and when you do, you’ll be stronger, wiser, and even more radiant than before.

So hang on just a little bit longer. You are not alone.

If no one else tells you, I love you. I see you. I hear you. I relate with you. I understand you.

[When you need an ear, reach out. http://www.lessonineveryday.com]