People Care

My perception of our society today is connected yet seemingly disconnected. I know the name of one of my neighbors at a place I’ve lived 4 and a half years. I work a remote job and don’t have coworkers or employees to ask how they are or get the latest office news. Groceries and packages are brought to my front door without me knowing who my mailman is, or who that girl from FedEx was who lugged my bed’s new headboard.

As a single person in his early 30s, it’s an almost impossible task to find someone to make spontaneous plans on a quiet night. Many of my close friends are married, engaged, or moved in together. There are events and communities out there, some that I’m privy to, but many I’m sure I don’t know about.

However, I view my support system within this relatively disconnected society as very strong, a group of caring, loving, and loyal individuals. Some of them listen to my problems and offer wise guidance, encouragement, and even tough love. Some of them make me laugh and feel valued being in their presence. Others make the most of the moments together even if it’s small talk. 

There’s more love than I could truly process. God’s got me every step of the way, my biggest support, my rock.

There’s acquaintances out there too, hundreds of people who know my name if I were to go to my favorite bar, wander around downtown, or drop by the bowling alley, knowing someone will recognize me. Even an online game, YouTube, or Reddit where no one knows me may bring a sense of connection.

When we get stuck in our own stories, even our own misery, it’s easy to forget how many people know us and see us. There are more people than we know who are impacted by our actions. There are many people who will be impacted by us too.

I’m confident in my abilities as a counselor and writer. It can be discouraging when my work schedule is thinning out and referrals haven’t been coming. It’s tough sometimes when I have to spend hours “cold calling” and marketing in order to get a semblance of a yes that someone will want to read my book, a book which I truly believe can make someone’s life better for reading it.

In this struggle, there is hope. Hope of a brighter future with more people in my life, more connections, more impact.

We all have lonely moments, nights, and even seasons when it feels like the world is taking us down and never letting us back out. But that period of time is temporary and there are people who care, there are people who need you in their lives more than you know, whether right now or in the not so distant future.

Spread the love, be there for someone and let someone be there for you, in a good moment and a bad one.