When I first heard this idea I fell in love with it. It helps me to orient myself to being helpful.
Ayesha Siddiqi, an author and activist, is fervently committed to giving people who cannot speak for themselves a voice. Her most famous quote emphasizes the significance of giving our youths a voice by being present: “Be the person you needed when you were younger.”
The phrase “be who you needed when you were younger” is a powerful reminder to strive to be the kind of person that you wished you had known when you were younger. It is a call to be a role model, a mentor, and a support system for others, especially those struggling or who feel alone.
Many people have moments in their lives when they feel lost, confused, or unsure of themselves. These can be challenging times during childhood and adolescence when we try to figure out who we are and where we fit in the world. During these times, we often wish we had someone to turn to for guidance, someone who could offer us support and encouragement.
By being who you needed when you were younger, you can be that person for someone else. You can offer the kind of support and understanding you wish you had received when you were younger. This role could mean offering a listening ear to a friend going through a tough time or mentoring a younger person trying to find their way.
It is important to remember that we all have the power to make a difference in the lives of others. Being the kind of person you needed when you were younger can inspire and support others, and help them feel less alone and more confident in themselves.
In short, “be who you needed when you were younger” is a call to be a positive influence on the world, offer support and encouragement to those who need it, and be a role model for others. In addition, it is a reminder that we all have the power to make a positive impact on the lives of others and that by being the kind of person we needed when we were younger, we can make the world a better place for all.
