Last year I joined a local Facebook group started by a woman who lives in our small town. Members of the group share local news, offer referrals for home repairs, help find lost pets, and make requests for support.

Three days ago, a woman posted a notice looking for someone to shovel her walkway and stairs after a snowstorm. She and her husband had both hurt their backs, and she hoped to find a kid who wanted to earn some extra money.

After the storm, she posted again, expressing her surprise and gratitude because people on her street showed up and did the shoveling for her. “I have the best neighbors in the world,” she wrote. “I feel so cared for – thank you.”

When I saw this exchange I, too, felt grateful for our little community and the way in which strangers reach out to support one another. These are the stories that inspire me and keep me hopeful as we go through this time of global transition.

It’s good to remember that we’re more alike than we are different and that love is our basic nature.

The Facebook post also made me think of something my husband, Michael, said during his talk at our retreat last October. A woman in the audience mentioned her anxiety about dealing with people who didn’t share her political views and Michael offered her a way to feel more empowered.

“Most people are inherently good and we need to remember that,” he explained. “If someone fell walking up the aisle in this room, would we ask her political affiliation before offering to help her up?”

I smiled at the wisdom in his question.

“Of course not,” Michael continued. “Everyone would probably jump up and offer to help because we’re wired to care about one another.”

Michael’s right. I see evidence of this selfless, essential nature all the time. Just yesterday I came upon a woman whose car slid off the road and I watched strangers pull over and run to help.

It feels good to be there for someone in need regardless of whether or not they share our views. And it inspires others to do the same.

So, this week, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I intend to be on the lookout for ways to offer my support. If you’d like to join me, start with your local community. Love a neighbor and shovel a walkway. Love a cause that matters to you and donate what you can afford. Love the earth and plant a tree. Or love an animal and rescue one from a nearby shelter .

Please remember to love yourself, too. After all, that’s where all transformation begins…

Happy Valentine’s Day …

xo Cheryl

Video of the Week

Here’s a beautiful video about getting back up when you fall. You can watch it, here. Thanks, Jacalyn