A little support goes a long way.

Why is it that we find it so easy to support people we barely know or those who are complete strangers to us? And why is it that we find it so difficult to support the people we do know, some of whom are our closest friends? I write this from experience and observation over time. Any time a celebrity or a stranger on social media puts up an initiative - be it a start up, a post or even a crowd funding programme - we take it upon ourselves to ensure that they are not disappointed and that their goals are met no matter how many times we have to share their post or like it or even campaign on their behalf.

But then comes Susie with her little idea and her big dreams. You have known Susie forever, you tag her in your photos and you call her your 'bestie'. But then you skip over Susie's request of 'please spread the word' and keep scrolling down on your FB/Insta/Twitter feed. Why?

Ever ask yourselves why you find it so difficult to support the dreams and aspirations of those closest to you? What if you happened to know Sarah Jessica Parker personally and she was requesting everyone to 'share' her post on helping some underprivileged children in a third world, war-torn nation? Would you then share it with as much enthusiasm? Maybe. She's a celebrity after all. The reflected glory is much too good to pass up. Or would you think, 'Really? Sarah? Who is she trying to be?' and keep scrolling down on your newsfeed to laugh at memes?

I'm not saying that every little initiative needs to be praised to high heavens, but if you can actually take the effort to promote and support a celebrity whom you only know through the characters that he/she has portrayed, why not take half that effort to encourage a friend or a family member?

You might be surprised at how many people would do the same for you, if you are ever in need of a little encouragement. Support your loved ones, support their small dreams and aspirations and try not to let their past cloud your judgement of what they can achieve in the future.

People look up to their closest friends and relatives for encouragement. And you lose nothing by hitting that like button on social media. So take 5 seconds off from helping Emma Watson achieve her dreams, and use it to give a shoutout to that struggling little start up your sister or your best friend has started. Emma Watson already has around 10 million supporters, she can wait.

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