If you've had a miscarriage, tragedies like the Sandy Hook shootings and the explosions at the Boston Marathon, can seem like more evidence that the world is a terrible place. Your own personal loss, combined with a larger, more all-encompassing loss can make it seem like nothing is ever going to be good again. If you're already feeling overwhelmed, you can feel like you don't have any coping skills at all.

On the other hand, sometimes a tragedy that doesn't directly involve you can be an opportunity to reach out and help somebody else. I've said it before and will likely say it again but helping somebody else can be a huge step toward healing. Helping someone else doesn't mean you have to forget your loss. It just means that maybe you can forget it for a little while. Or maybe it can temporarily not be your paramount focus.

So what can you do? If your miscarriage was more than six weeks ago and you're physically feeling okay, you can donate blood. The American Red Cross is always looking for blood donors. Sadly, only a small percentage of people who are able to give blood, actually do.

You can become an advocate. Take the time to learn more about an issue related to the tragedy. All you have to do is log into Facebook to see that almost everybody has an opinion on issues like terrorism, gun control or mental illness. But not everybody takes the time to truly learn about these issues. Find one you're really passionate about and get involved with a cause.

If advocacy isn't your thing, you can still find a small way to show you care. Dump some change into a victims' fund. Post a homemade sign in your yard offering support. Send a card to a total stranger.

Nothing we do exists in a vacuum. Even seemingly small things can have a ripple effect. When we do good things in the world, good things come back to us. If you've had a miscarriage you may feel like you need all the good you can get. Mary Anne Radmacher said “There are no small acts of kindness. Every compassionate act makes large the world.”

At one point or another, life gets bumpy for everyone. Whether it is a personal tragedy like a miscarriage or a tragedy which involves an entire city, nation or the world. Being able to share some compassion, reminds us that we are not alone.