When I read or listen to the news, I often ask aloud, “What is wrong with people?” (Sometimes I yell this.)

I don’t understand why someone would, on purpose, hurt another person? What is the benefit of it?  I don’t want to give examples. See any news article for examples of how awful one or more humans can be to each other. What if the world was not this way? How can we change it?

In my struggle to make sense of the world, I call upon my favorite others to help me. A simple reply, “I know, I know,” from a friend or neighbor is somehow helpful. Wherever you are, you can meet helpful people.

When I moved into a new neighborhood, I talked to everyone I saw. (I’m shy; I pushed myself to do this.) After a bit of conversation, I asked them, “Are you a writer?” Over a two week period, I met three writers. That is amazing. I invited them all to my house to talk about writing. One absolutely lovely writer told me it was the first time since he moved here two years ago that anyone invited him over. The four of us meet twice a month to review our latest chapters of the stories we are writing. We read them aloud and give each other encouraging but useful feedback. Because of them and their support, I’ve submitted two short stories to an on-line publisher. 

None of that was easy for me but the personal pay off is immense. We found support in each other. These little steps help me to create the world I want to live in.