children exemplify innocence – it’s universal. but a sleeping child? That just transcends everything we think we understand about life as it touches us at our core. that’s why parents (who had just spent hours trying to get their baby to sleep) will find themselves tip toeing quietly into their baby’s room just to stand by their bed and watch them sleep. the stillness of their closed eyelids, the rested lips and chunky cheeks – there’s something about the expression on their face that is so pure, it reminds us of a time that we too, slept like that, unencumbered by the challenges and pain and fluidity of life. A time, if we were lucky enough to have been blessed with a happy childhood, that was void of conflict and fear and grief.

What a tragedy it is then, when children are robbed of their sleep like they’re robbed of their childhood – through war and famine and abuse and exploitation.  In many ways, our greatest failure as a race is our failure to protect our children.

But there is so much we can do – whether big or small, our collective action is the only way towards positive change. We can start at home, in our communities – donating and volunteering. Raising awareness. Holding our politicians accountable. Sharing our wealth by donating to local charities that support the health and wellbeing of children and families in our direct communities. Local food banks, shelters for women fleeing abusive relationships (who are often escaping with their children), children’s distress helplines and non-for profit organizations dedicated to working with at-risk children and youth are all good places to start. These grassroots organizations are often embedded within communities, with direct access to children who need help and guidance.

If these are not options, then the simplest act of showing kindness to the children around you can sometimes be the most significant. Play a part in creating little beings who are compassionate because they themselves were shown compassion – children who are kind and grow up to be kind adults who in turn advocate for the children in their lives. It’s so simple and that, friends, is what I think makes up true generational healing ❤️