SmallTalk #13 - Let's spread kindness and care
Because we could all use a little extra love right now
We can be the light for each other
It’s tough out there for many of us. The world is uncertain. People are hurting. Maybe you’re hurting, too. In challenging times, community care and support is essential, and we know that the SmallStack community is great at those things. You’ve shown us who you are time and time again, and we’re so glad you’re here with us. This week, we invite you to join us for some extra love and care — for yourself, your loved ones, this community, or the whole wide world.
Tell us in the comments about a time when you experienced care and kindness.
You could also tell us about what care means to you.
We’ll keep this open through Friday, January 31.
This is a safe space. Team members will moderate this space to ensure the conversation stays kind, caring, and welcoming to all.
SmallTalk is here for you! This is your space to build relationships, share your thoughts, and grow together. A few reminders to help you get the most out of this space:
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Make new friends. This is a place where beautiful collaborations are born. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, celebrate each others’ wins, and reach out to people you’d like to collaborate with. We’re all supporting each other here.
I transferred colleges halfway through and went from having a solid friend group, great job, and purpose to a strong sense of not belonging, dude roommates who alternately flirted and threatened me, and a total crisis of purpose.
I had a breakdown over an unfair grade on a geology test. The assistant prof, an older gent in his sixties, passed out a worksheet, LEFT THE CLASS HE WAS ACTIVELY TEACHING, and pulled me into his office to ask what was wrong. And he didn't stop questioning me at the test. It all came out.
He cared and listened. He said I *had* to find something I loved to do, and personally called the head of the publicity department. I was hired, and everything changed. By graduation, I had experience in my field, a small set of sweet friends, my own little studio cabin, and a sweet if short term boyfriend.
He changed everything.
I have some health needs that are warranting looking into naturopathy, but I am so frightened / resistant around medical stuff (and there is likely some neurodivergent trauma / dysfunction playing a role here, too).
I was telling one of my dearest friends about all this. She is very plugged into the naturopath and eastern medicine world. I told her the idea of finding a good doctor in my small town, who *also* takes my insurance, felt deeply overwhelming.
And then...she just went and did it all for me! Found a completely stellar naturopath just across the river from where I live, who takes my insurance. I was in tears. I don't even think she understood that she had taken down these major roadblocks for me, I think she was just inspired to be helpful. I see the new doctor next week :)