Came across this quote on social media and it made me realise that while we may all face the same challenges, our capacity to endure, adapt, or escape them isn’t equal. The storm is shared, but the boats? They vary wildly.
Some are riding it out in luxury, protected and well-stocked. Others are paddling desperately in canoes with leaks they can barely patch. And some are simply trying to stay afloat, treading water with every ounce of energy they have left.
The Illusion of the “Same Boat”
It’s tempting to say, “We’re all in this together,” but that sentiment often ignores the massive disparities in privilege, support, and opportunity. The pandemic, for example, didn’t hit everyone the same. Some transitioned to remote work with ease, while others lost jobs, homes, or loved ones. Some had savings; others had debts. Some had networks to fall back on; others faced isolation.
Recognizing this disparity isn’t about guilt—it’s about awareness. It’s about seeing beyond our own boat to understand the storm through someone else’s eyes.
Kindness Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline
When we realize not everyone has the same resources or stability, kindness becomes more than a virtue. It becomes essential. A smile, a listening ear, an offer of help—these aren’t small gestures. They’re lifelines.
Kindness doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple as checking in on a colleague, being patient with someone having a rough day, or using your platform to amplify voices that often go unheard.
Helping Doesn’t Mean You Have to Be the Lifeguard for Everyone
You’re not expected to save the entire world. But maybe you can toss a rope to someone drowning. Maybe you can let someone into your canoe. Maybe your yacht has enough room to offer temporary shelter.
Whatever your situation, look around. See who’s struggling, and extend your hand in whatever way you can. That’s what makes communities stronger, storms survivable, and hope possible.
The Moral of the Storm
We can’t always calm the storm. But we can make it a little easier for someone else to weather it.
So next time you find yourself wishing someone would just “get over it” or “try harder,” pause. Ask yourself: What kind of boat are they in? And more importantly: What kind of person do I want to be in this storm?
Let’s choose kindness. Let’s row together.
Kenrick Vaz 