Everyone needs someone. We are human, created to be in community and connection. I’ve seen studies that showed people struggling with addiction and alcoholism have been able to recover from their darkness and maintain a lifetime of recovery because they are connected, supported, and in community with others.

When was the last time you were facing a tough situation and all you wanted was to face the struggle by yourself? Me? Never. When the tough comes I may want to crawl under my desk and hide but it never happens because I instinctively reach out to my friends, family, or the server at Dutch Bros. for support. When my service dog died this last January I was roughing it out until I drove through Dutch Bros. and started bawling when the server tried to take my order and I couldn’t think enough to decide. He took the time to listen to my deepest woes and ordered me a drink to soothe my broken heart (a Campout cold brew just so you know). That complete stranger was the best friend I needed in that moment. One I didn’t even see was missing. I was trying to be strong and deny that my dog was a huge part of my soul, and this stranger knew better and he filled the gap in community for me. After that I laid out my pain to my family and friends. I was able to reach out and admit I was hurting because my Dutch Bros. friend gave me the connection I couldn’t yet reach out for.

We all need friends, family, contact, support and connection. If you are lacking it, I bet someone around you is too. Be the friend you need. Spread the connection.

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is a Behavioral Health Technician at RI International and the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer.