Have you ever watched a movie that stayed on your mind long after the credits rolled? Not necessarily because of the actors, the setting, or even the storyline, but because it made you stop and think about life?

That was my experience watching 23 000 Lives on Netflix.

Welcome back to Cece in the City, where I share my thoughts on movies, experiences, travel, and the little things in life that make us think a little deeper.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I enjoy documentaries and movies based on true events. I love learning how people got where they are, what they’ve experienced, and the stories behind the headlines. Sometimes a movie entertains you, and sometimes it makes you look at the world a little differently.

This movie definitely gave me something to think about.

When Helping Others Becomes Complicated

23 000 Lives is inspired by the true story of a group of young people who decided they couldn’t simply stand by while people were losing their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

They raised money, purchased an old fishing vessel, and became involved in rescue efforts that helped save more than 23,000 people.

Think about that number for a moment. More than 23,000 lives.

But what started as an effort to help others became complicated. Their mission faced criticism, legal challenges, and questions about what they were doing and whether they should be doing it.

And that’s one of the things that stood out to me.

You can have people who genuinely want to help, people who are willing to step up and do something, and yet their efforts can still be questioned, criticized, and challenged.

It makes you wonder: What happens when people who want to make a difference find themselves fighting just to continue doing what they believe is right?

We Need More Compassion in This World

Watching this movie made me think about how much I enjoy helping people whenever I can.

It doesn’t have to be something big. It doesn’t have to involve thousands of dollars or a major organization. Sometimes it’s the little things that matter.

It’s checking on someone.
It’s sending a card.
It’s putting together a care package.
It’s supporting someone who needs encouragement.
It’s recognizing someone for the work they do.
It’s simply showing up.

I love finding ways to appreciate people and give them their flowers.

And that’s something I wish we did more often.

We spend so much time talking about what people aren’t doing, what they could have done better, or what we don’t agree with. But how often do we stop and recognize the good someone is trying to do?

How often do we say thank you?
How often do we acknowledge someone’s efforts?
How often do we encourage someone instead of discouraging them?

We don’t have to agree with every decision someone makes to recognize that helping others and showing compassion still matter.

It’s Hard Out Here for People Trying to Make a Difference

One thing this movie reminded me of is that doing good doesn’t always come with applause.

Sometimes people will misunderstand your intentions. Sometimes they will question your decisions. Sometimes you will receive criticism from people who aren’t doing the work themselves.

And sometimes, even when your heart is in the right place, the road ahead isn’t easy.

That doesn’t mean accountability and different perspectives don’t matter. They do. But I also believe we need to make room for compassion.

There are people out here doing things behind the scenes that we may never hear about. People volunteering their time, donating their money, checking on neighbors, supporting families, and trying to make someone’s day a little easier.

They may not have a big platform. They may never receive recognition. But their actions still matter.

And I think we should celebrate those people more.

A Little Reminder to Give People Their Flowers

This is something I try to incorporate into my own life and the things I do through Cece Cares Foundation.

Whether it’s recognizing first responders, appreciating healthcare workers, supporting families, putting together care packages, or simply finding a way to brighten someone’s day, I believe kindness should be something we practice.

We don’t always know what someone is carrying. We don’t know what battles they’re facing or what motivated them to step up and help someone else.

So when you see someone doing something positive, encourage them.

When someone makes a difference, acknowledge it.

When someone is working hard to help others, don’t wait until they’re gone to tell their story.

Give people their flowers while they can still smell them.

Final Thoughts: My Cece on the Scenes Take

I enjoyed watching 23 000 Lives because it gave me more than a movie to watch. It gave me something to reflect on.

It reminded me that ordinary people can make extraordinary efforts, that helping others can come with challenges, and that compassion is something we should never take for granted.

The world doesn’t need more people waiting for someone else to do something. It needs people willing to care, encourage, support, and make a difference in whatever way they can.

And no, you don’t have to save 23,000 lives to make an impact. You can make a difference in one person’s life, and that matters too.

So here’s my question for you:

When was the last time you gave someone their flowers?

Not because they passed away. Not because they received an award. Not because everyone else was celebrating them. But simply because you recognized the good in them and wanted them to know it.

Let’s do more of that.

And if you haven’t watched 23 000 Lives, add it to your Netflix watchlist. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time, keep showing kindness, keep making a difference, and don’t forget to give people their flowers while they’re here.

Liston on YouTube or Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5yRjjCxbe0FBXwiatSPjFJ

https://youtu.be/KOfHtbFXdck?is=HZqf41-oLCE8hWsZ

This is Cece in the City. 💚