As with many horror authors, I  struggle with a deep darkness in me. I vent it into my writing often. The thing that helps me with that darkness the most, though, is helping others.

One day, I was scrolling through Threads and came across someone asking how we survive when we feel like life is falling apart. So, I responded with how I do.

Something I said must have resonated because they responded, and after chatting, they revealed they were working toward a goal that would heavily impact their future.

I encouraged them to use that goal to help them survive. Use that goal as motivation to care for their mind and body up until the final date. After that, they may feel better or they may not, but it will be time for the next chapter, and maybe they’ll know what they want that chapter to look like by then, or at least be ready to think it over.

They responded that they needed to hear that so much right then and that it was very helpful. They thanked me. I hope it helps them going forward as well.

I have no relationship with this person. I’ve never interacted with them before. When people are hurting, I offer support. If they’re receptive, I’ll talk to them until they feel better.

A huge part of who I am is that I help people when they are feeling low or unsteady. They are brave for asking for support, so I offer what I can. It’s what made me a good social worker, and what makes me a good peer support.

I’m not bragging. I’m just telling you that encounters like these happen to me, sometimes with strangers like this, sometimes with people I know.

It’s always better to offer support to people who may not want or need it than to leave someone without any when they do want and need it. I never assume people are receiving that support.

It’s that easy to change someone’s life for a time or even save a life just by being there and being kind. These encounters mean so much to me. They are part of why I choose life. I make an impact, and that gives me a sense of purpose. Helping others helps me. ♡