How are you doing?

When's the last time you got asked this question?  I mean someone stopped, asked how you are doing, and listened for the answer?  When is the last time you asked someone this question and listened for their answer?  This week is National Suicide Prevention Week, as this is National Suicide Awareness Month.  And in part of that, I think we need to bring awareness to really listen and pay attention to others.  We are a society that is constantly on the move.  We are always going on to the next thing.  While doing that, we are blogging, tweeting, instagramming, facebooking and social networking our "thoughts and feelings."  While all of this is happening there are people just waiting for us to ask them how they are doing and truly listen for the answer, and not just ask them in passing.  When I'm having a bad day, one that is just not going well, I can't even describe how good it feels when I have someone listen to what I'm going through.  On the flip side, I can describe how it feels when having a bad day and someone doesn't listen and just passes along.  So what I'm asking is this.  At least for this week, this month, begin to be more mindful to asking others how they are doing.  And listen for their answer.  Empathize with them on a bad day, celebrate with them on a good one.  And just be there if they need someone in that minute, that hour.  It really can make all the difference.

*For more information on suicide prevention and awareness visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at http://www.afsp.org/