Harriet Tubman. Martin Luther King Jr. Mohandas Gandhi. Mother Theresa. Nelson Mandela.

Each of these individuals showed an exceptionally rare brand of courage in caring for their fellow man. They were willing to sacrifice their own needs completely for the benefit of others. Although it is certainly something to aspire to, most of us will never reach such a state of selflessness. But just the same, an ordinary act of caring is an extraordinary act of courage.

Caring for someone else is taking a risk. When we truly care for someone else, we give a piece of ourselves away with no expectation of anything in return. If we are lucky and they care for us too, then we get back what we have given. If it isn’t returned, then we are left with a piece missing.

No one wants the empty feeling of love unrequited, but we must never lose the courage to care. The more people we care about, the better the chances we too will be loved. Love your friends, family and neighbors. Care for humanity at large. We all need to love and be loved, so find the courage to care. You are bound to get it back, but most of all you will love yourself for it.