Today, as I was walking along the streets of Helsinki, I saw a sight that tugged at my heartstrings. 

People kneeling in the corners of the wet, icy streets, suffering in the cold as they begged for money to survive. And right round the corner, streets that boast high street fashion and branded items, bring a stark contrast to the forlorn sight that reside just on their doorsteps.

Maybe it's a misconception on my part that made this sight shocking but I never thought that a supposedly rich country's capital will allow for the need of begging for money to get by.

I feel ashamed to say I didn't contribute to making their lives any bit better, but at that point, the only thought I had was why did they see the need to beg? Able-bodied and of working age, it puzzled me as to why they would want to beg instead of work. Why would anyone choose to lose the little dignity they have by getting down on their knees, over searching for a proper job or even some odd jobs to support themselves?

Much later as I sat pondering, it came to me that maybe, just maybe, it wasn't a choice but rather a necessity - the last option over giving up entirely on life.

As much as Helsinki may be a beautiful and rich city, not every single person has the same opportunities. These people could have tried and failed to find an alternative path to live on. 

Behind those bright city lights, there lies a painful reality, often overlooked or forgotten amidst the hectic landscape that shrouds its existence.

Everyone deserves an equal chance to life and no one should deserve to suffer such a fate. I guess we could all do a little something for someone out there who truly needs our help. 

And I'd also like to pray for those who are less fortunate than me, that their lives can take a turn for the better.