A Stranger on a Plane Reminded Me Why Hope and Connection Matter
Something Unexpected on a Long Flight
Something unexpected happened to me recently, 13 hours into a long flight from Vancouver to Brisbane.
You know that point in a long-haul flight when you’re exhausted, hair stuck to your face, teeth feeling fuzzy, and just dreaming of a shower?
Yeah, that was me.
Then the lady in front of me turned around and said:
“Hello, I just wanted to let you know that I follow you on Instagram — and I love what you do with the paper cranes.”
I was caught off guard. A little embarrassed (of course, I checked my teeth), but also deeply moved.
For those who don’t know, besides my counselling services, I leave little paper cranes around the community — and sometimes the world — carrying messages of hope, kindness, and positive mental health awareness. Each one is a tiny reminder that we’re not alone and that our mental health matters.
That simple comment from a stranger reminded me that even small gestures — like a paper crane, a kind word, or a message — truly can make a difference.
Why Connection Matters for Mental Health
It’s easy to feel like we have to face life’s challenges alone. Many people believe nobody truly understands the struggles they experience. But mental health isn’t something only a few of us have — it’s something we all experience.
We all have good days and hard ones. We all need support, understanding, and gentle reminders that seeking help is normal and healthy.
Even small moments of connection — a kind stranger, a supportive friend, or a little paper crane carrying a positive message — can help us feel seen, supported, and less alone. These tiny gestures are powerful tools in nurturing emotional wellbeing.
Feeling Alone Doesn’t Mean You’re Alone
Coping with stress, anxiety, or low mood can feel isolating, but it’s important to remember that needing support doesn’t make you weak. Emotional wellbeing is a lifelong practice, and connection — whether through therapy, counselling, or community — is a key part of maintaining it.
How Therapy Can Help
Counselling and therapy provide safe, supportive spaces to process emotions, build coping strategies, and explore challenges with someone who truly listens. Mental health support through therapy can help you:
Understand and manage stress
Navigate difficult emotions
Improve self-care practices
Build resilience and coping strategies
If you’ve been feeling weighed down, unsure, or overwhelmed, seeking therapy or counselling is a courageous and positive step toward emotional wellbeing.
Book a session with me here to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, compassionate space.
The Power of Small Gestures
The paper cranes I leave aren’t just symbols of hope — they’re tiny messengers of kindness and mental health awareness. Each one carries a simple but important message: you are not alone, and it’s okay to take care of your mental health.
Small acts of kindness and awareness can ripple out further than we realise.
They remind us that hope, support, and connection exist — even in unexpected places.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Your mental health matters. Seeking support, whether through therapy, counselling, or community, is an important part of self-care. There’s courage in reaching out and strength in prioritising your wellbeing.
Sometimes hope arrives in the smallest moments — a kind stranger, a thoughtful message, or a paper crane tucked somewhere waiting to be found. And every step you take toward caring for your mental health is meaningful.
Hope Arrives in Unexpected Places
Whether through therapy, counselling, or simple acts of kindness, connection and hope are always possible. Remember, mental health is a journey we all share, and every small gesture counts.
