There’s this classic song by The Fray that we all probably know and like called “How To Save A Life.” It’s catchy, great to sing on videoke nights, but most of us never really paused to think about what that song really meant. Enter Kuya Kim Atienza. A week ago, he saw a Threads post from a certain Seiji that he could have ignored, but did not. It was a cry for help that alarmed many and spurred Kuya Kim to action. This week, he finally met Seiji. It was heartwarming, but it also was a full circle moment. And we need more of that in the world today.

In the interest of positivity where we absolutely need it, let’s focus on exactly why it’s a good idea to just be a bit more like Kuya Kim today. Because it really, really matters.

8. It’s all about having a heart

When a person is crying for help on social media, do we listen, or do we just scroll past? It’s really easy to ignore stuff like that, and if it’s something that affects our own well-being, that’s perfectly understandable too.

But here’s the thing: it’s also pretty easy to be there for these people. It costs nothing to be kinder, except maybe some time and a few words coming from a good, sincere place. If you lead with a heart and sincerity, you’ve already made a difference, much like he did.

7. We could also use some more empathy

Not all of us are depressed. But pretty much all of us can put ourselves in the shoes of someone who is. It’s that level of empathy that allows you to reach out to someone to show them you care, even if you don’t personally know them. Sometimes, just being two people on the same planet is enough reason.

6. Specificity helps

What makes the sincerity ring true instead of hollow “thoughts and prayers” is the specificity of the offer to help. Kuya Kim specifically said “Be my guest at TikToClock,” not “just reach out anytime.” While being vague isn’t necessarily empty, it’s also played out and unfortunately sometimes just as easy to ignore for the person looking for help.

5. Following through matters

Seiji showed up. Kuya Kim was there. That makes a difference, and that proves the sincerity. And yes, the fact this was all in public for us to see also gave Kuya Kim a level of accountability that he did not have to subject himself to. But because he truly meant what he said, it was easy to make good on it. And it had a profound effect on Seiji, reminding him he wasn’t alone.

4. Don’t let our own limitations stop us

We could be grieving. We could be hurting. We could be going through the exact same thing. But if we can still extend a helping hand, are we not making the world a better place?

Kuya Kim is just as human as the rest of us and has gone through stuff. He did not let that stop him from doing something. Let’s leave it at that. Those invisible ninja cutting onions are already getting to us as we speak.

3. Make it about them

Kuya Kim’s story went viral despite being a low-key, albeit public, response on Threads. Dude probably did not ask for media attention, but got it anyways. But Kuya Kim never made it about him and his big, generous heart. It was all about Seiji. True, we can’t deny Kuya Kim has a platform that we can’t pretend doesn’t exist. But that’s also him leveraging that platform for something good.

2. Bring others in

Ice Seguerra also invited Seiji to a gig. In utilizing his platform, Kuya Kim made sure that it became more than a one-man quest to save a life. It became a community effort. It’s not about big gestures, mind you. They can be simple. They just have to be real. Because ultimately, the best tip for saving a life has to be…

1. Just do your best. It doesn’t always have to be grand.

“To me, it was Tuesday.”

True, Bison said that in Street Fighter as the height of villainy. But what if being kind, listening to a cry for help, following this 8List was also just as mundane for all of us? Imagine the kind of world we would live in if saving lives was “just a Tuesday” for us. Nothing dramatic. Not a big deal. Just how we all are.

It warms the heart knowing that’s possible.

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