When I was younger in school I saw many of my peers have issues that hurt them. I wanted to help them because I was their friend and cared for them, but they never gave me the opportunity.
One day I shared with my mentor who was a teacher there that I was frustrated that I couldn’t do more to help my peers. Shes said something that stunned me. She said “It is enough to be the person you are.” She said that you don’t have to do things to help people, just letting people know who you are is enough if they are ready to reach out to you and ask for help.
So as much as possible from them on, I tried to be approachable and non judgmental like she was with me. I learned that not everyone has the courage or wisdom to know they need help, nor the humility to ask for it. I have also learned to ask for help in my life and gotten it from people who were smarter, wiser or more able to help me with their perspective.
Life is about being present. Not about forcing others to do what you want.