It may seem counterintuitive, but I learned long ago that the more personal I am in my writing or painting, the more people will see themselves. And beyond that I think, the more people that see themselves makes it all the easier to see each other. 

I painted the image of my friend kayaking the morning lake. She only had the image because a neighbor captured the photo. Another friend bought several of the cards, because she could see herself navigating that same lake. 

I suppose it’s why humans have always painted the pictures. To tell the stories. And don’t we need to hear it from someone who has been there? No matter what the challenge, be it dream or struggle, to see someone navigating the same lake makes it all possible. Not with the dismissiveness of “Been there. Done that,” but with a “Been there. You are not alone.”  

Morning ripples in, gently, and I can only say, Yes.