No one survives in isolation. Each one of us exists in a web of people, many of which are crucial. Who do you rely on?
When you consider your life, just think about all the people whose lives intersect your own. While some of those people have very little influence on you, others are more important.
Obviously, people in your family play the biggest role. A spouse, parents, children, and on and on. These are people you might see every day or almost every day, and who you depend on for support of all kinds.
Beyond that, you likely rely on your friends as well. To maintain emotional well-being, you need to have fun, whatever that means for you. Playing games, making music, competing in (or watching) sports, etc. These are things you do with friends, and they probably play an important role in your life.
Depending on the job you have, you may spend more time with co-workers than with anyone else in your life, possibly even including family. While a job is just a way to pay the bills for some, for others a career can provide purpose and meaning. And a supervisor and co-workers can play a large part in that.
Beyond these obvious examples, there are many people who are invisible to you. The people who make it possible to put gasoline in your car to drive places. Or the meteorologist who tells you when to bring an umbrella, sunscreen, or winter boots. Perhaps the cook who makes your dinner at a restaurant, or the grocer who carries the food for you to cook.
Everywhere you go and everything you do makes you part of a large web of interconnected people. Who do you rely on, and how?
Related questions: What makes a community? Who is the most important person in your life? How do you depend on others? Who would serve on your personal board of directors?
First and foremost, I rely on my wife, Rebecca. While I could mention many ways I depend on her, I’ll simply note that I start each day feeling loved and heard by the person who matters most in my life.
I have a small group of friends who bring joy to my life; thanks to each of them. A special shout-out goes to Lee Urton. Every Saturday, Lee and I talk for about two hours to reflect on the past week, support each other, and maintain this blog.
As many people know, I struggle with chronic Anxiety and Depression. While medications have kept my Depression in check for ten years now, I still contend with Anxiety and, at times, panic attacks. This brings me to a small group of friends who have agreed to be there for me whenever I need to talk through the rough patches I am experiencing.
Professionally, I advocate for tenants’ rights and protections. This role involves managing legal matters, often expressed in legalese, and addressing issues faced by individuals I don’t interact with frequently enough to develop appropriate solutions. Therefore, I depend on a team of colleagues who assist me in understanding the challenges renters encounter and in proposing solutions in legal terms. Once this is achieved, I must persuade legislators to partner with me and my organization to champion the bills I need to navigate through the legislative process. I must also recognize the wonderful legislative staff who support this effort.
I try to use social media to discuss important issues. I write extensively about anti-poverty measures, mental health issues, and the necessity of growing heirloom vegetables to help create a more sustainable food system. I appreciate my extensive community of social network friends who engage with me so I don’t feel like I’m just talking to myself.
Of course, I depend on more people than those mentioned above. Lastly, I want to acknowledge the individuals I never interact with who contribute to my safety. From food inspectors to the workers who ensure the roads I drive on are safe, my life would be much riskier without public servants like them.
I’d like to add Air Traffic Controllers who are understaffed and overworked. I plan to be flying this year and hope to God for a safe trip.