In the midst of technological connectedness, loneliness is ever present. That need for close human connection isn’t satisfied by clicks and emojis or political jousting. It requires a deeper sharing of oneself. And how frustrating to have stories to tell but no one to share them with.

Imagine what good you can do simply by being that person who can listen to another’s stories. To ease their loneliness.

Emily Dickinson captured this well:

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one lonely person

Into happiness again

I shall not live in vain.

Who do you know that might have stories to tell if only there was someone to listen?