"被遗弃、不被爱、不被关心、被所有人遗忘，我认为这是一种比那些没有食物吃的人更大的饥饿，更大的贫穷。"

Feeling unwanted, unloved, and forgotten is a deeper kind of hunger than not having enough food. It's a profound kind of poverty that affects the soul. When someone feels neglected or invisible, it can lead to a sense of deep emptiness that mere food can't fill.

This sentiment was famously expressed by Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. She saw firsthand the devastating effects of both physical hunger and emotional abandonment. To her, the absence of love and care was a more severe kind of poverty. Imagine living in a bustling city and yet feeling completely alone. That pervasive sense of isolation can be more unbearable than an empty stomach.

Let's look at a real-life example to bring this idea home. Think of an elderly person living in a nursing home. They might have all their basic needs met—three meals a day, a warm bed, and medical care. But if no one visits them, if they receive no phone calls or letters, they can quickly become despondent. They might feel like they're just waiting to die, ignored and unloved. This emotional void can drastically affect their mental and physical health, leading to a quicker decline than if they were just a bit physically hungry but surrounded by caring people.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our own lives? Start by showing compassion to those around you. Sometimes, the smallest gestures can make a big difference—sending a text to a friend you haven't heard from in a while, checking in on a neighbor, or simply saying 'thank you' more often. We often underestimate the power of simple human connection. When people feel seen and valued, it enriches their lives in ways that money or food can't.

Let me share a story that might resonate with you. Imagine Sarah, a successful career woman who's always on the go. She's got a great job, a nice apartment, and plenty of friends on social media. But sometimes, especially on her commute home, she feels an aching void. She realizes she hasn't had a meaningful conversation in days. Not the kind of surface-level chat about work or weather, but a deep, honest talk where she feels truly listened to. One day, she decides to reach out to an old friend, Mark, whom she hasn't spoken to in years. They meet for coffee and end up talking for hours. Both of them leave feeling lighter, more connected, and less alone. It wasn't just the caffeine; it was the act of being truly present with someone.

The takeaway here is simple: don't underestimate the impact of making someone feel valued. Whether it's a friend, a stranger, or even yourself, taking the time to connect can fill that deeper hunger for love and care. So next time you're in a rush, or feeling too busy, remember that making someone feel seen and appreciated might just be the most important thing you do all day.