For a lot of you, I know 2020 was an intense year. And, unfortunately, we've kicked off 2021 with a bang. In our world there is political and social instability. So many of you have lost your jobs or face economic insecurity. The past season has been a challenge.

And... I feel you. I started a new business in 2020... arguably the worst timing in history. Ha.

This show, and all of How Writers Write is not political. And that isn't because I don't have my own personal politics. I mean, I studied political science in undergrad. Of course I have my beliefs, and like many of you I am very passionate about what I believe and stand for.

I keep politics out of How Writers Write because I believe in something more important: our stories. I have this north-star belief that our stories are the most powerful thing we have to share. To authentically tell the stories that are begging to come out of us is one of the most fulfilling and healing activities we can do. And to learn how to listen—to really listen— to another person's story is just as powerful.

I believe the world would be about one billion times better if we authentically told our stories and learned to compassionately listen to others.

What is more healing, more understanding? In what way can you empathize with another? In what other way can you be better understood?

Oftentimes, I'm like many of you, I feel totally powerless in a world that seems to be disintegrating. I can so easily spiral into despondency. And when I hit the bottom of that despair, the one thing I come back to, the one thing I know i can do, is to tell my story, listen to others, and encourage around me to do the same.

Take care of yourself. Feed your soul. Tell your story.

Thank you so much for listening, and I hope you have a wonderful week of writing

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