This week, people showed up for me. I invited members of Prose Playground, a writing community I’m part of, to submit their hiking stories to my Substack site. I’m trying to gain traction for my “Readers’ Hike” section and encourage engagement. Almost immediately, three people submitted their stories. I’m grateful (and you, lucky reader, will get to enjoy each of those stories soon).
I try to show up for others. I’ve acted as a beta reader for folks I barely know. I helped a friend create a Substack site based on what I’ve learned. I donate time and money to local wildlife and conservation-related activities. I take Pilates every Friday, whether or not I’m in the mood, because I want to support the instructor. But the truth is, most of the time, I don’t make a very good friend.
