Three Things, my Wednesday post series, inspired by my love for bite-sized, tiny but mighty pieces of information.

One. This —

“This is what it’s all about. This shit is hard and you have to persevere. You’re not alone in this,” she says to me late on a Friday afternoon.

We’re talking about my book. I hit a snag. And I wanted to rip my face off in frustration. But instead I take a day off. I watch a movie. I regroup. I’m thinking about it all day, sitting back there in my head. And then I hit it hard on Sunday. Because not telling this story is not an option.

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Two. “Overwhelm” —

With volatile current events swirling around us pretty much non-stop it’s hard to not feel overwhelmed. To wonder what’s happening and what it all means. Hate plastered in the media and our FB newsfeed. The comments none of us should read — ohhhhh the comments. Feeling adrift and concerned for neighbors, strangers, and those closer to home.

And then I remember the people I know and those I pass on the street. And how they smile at me and I, back at them. The hands extended in friendship and solidarity. I don’t have the answer, but what I do have is a solid sense of myself and the love I have for others. The goodness I see in the vast majority of people. And the coming together. I hold close to these thoughts as the rest swirls around me. Extending my hand as far as it will reach, spreading love around as much as I can.

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Three. Nobody. —

“Nobody’s a hero and nobody’s a villain, we’re all a little bit of both.”

— Jeannette Walls

The author of The Glass Castle, Jeannette said this last week during a live Q + A with the New York Times. She was describing her alcoholic Father, but was also referring to people in general. I have found this to be true as well. Certainly for my late husband. His lying and cheating sitting alongside other sweet things he did for me.

Also for myself, I suppose this is true. I hope those who experienced some villainous moments with me have the grace to recognize my heroic ones as well. It’s all we can ask.