It has been an emotional time for Australians recently with the siege in Sydney . I’m deeply affected by what has happened (as I am sure others are too). I cried reading an article about Katrina Dawson, her life was just beginning with a young family and a beautiful career ahead of her. Goosebumps are crawling on my skin as I write this. I am moved by the unity and am very proud to be an Australian.

It makes me sad and angry that there are people who feel compelled to do this to each other. Why and where does this come from? There must be story behind all of this, something must have happened in their lives to cause this to occur. You’re not born hating another… they must have learnt it from someone, somewhere, somehow. If you can learn to hate, you can learn to love.

Love is in all of us. We all need love in our lives, why not give love first? You can’t control another persons reaction but you can control your actions. If you want love, then give love. If each of us showed a bit of compassion and give, may be another persons perception of the world changes that little bit too. It might give them a glimmer of hope that there is love in the world and they are worthy of it.

Love is powerful. It overcomes fear. Everyone wants to be loved, wants to belong. People seek out people, groups, places where they can belong and it may be misdirected. We are all humans at the end of the day. We all need to eat, sleep, breathe. May be, just may be, if we all opened our hearts, give a little, love each other this may change the world slowly. There is more courage and strength in vulnerability. We will be making ourselves vulnerable but remember it will make us stronger.

Why not start today? Just a simple hello or smile, talk to someone on the bus, train or on the street. This might have a huge impact on their lives. You never know. If we have a day dedicated to this, perhaps more people will be open and receptive of this idea. It wouldn’t be so scary for everyone to try it. We would make it easier for each other to reach out and help one another. Share some love and perhaps be that glimmer of hope to someone.

By the way, I’m not justifying their actions what happen was horrific and unacceptable. I’m just figuring out how we can become stronger and commemorate the lives that have been lost. Their courage and lives will be remembered and have a positive affect on the world, rather than being a victim. I hope people see it that way. I didn’t mean to start the idea to ride a wave or gain any publicity. I want to do it to help others find a positive way forward from this.

Let’s use this to strengthen us as a nation and humanity. That’s why we should commemorate this day – share the love and compassion.