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Healthy Horizons

Laurie Lupold

The outpour of support I recieved after last month’s column was heartwarming. I never realized that so many of you took an interest in my writings each month. For this I am grateful. I’d like to dedicate this column to you for all your care and support as I was going through such difficulties. Thank you sincerely!

Across the Great Divide

Nothing ever prepared us for the world that would open up to us at a click of the mouse. No instruction manual was ever written that would, or could for that matter, ever explain the effect our cyber journey would have on our lives. It has been argued by many that the relationships we find ourselves building each day, are not real but merely figments of our imagination. They hold no bearing in reality and thus should be held as nothing more than a source of amusement.

I, for one, would have to argue this point. Some of the dearest people I have met in my life, I have met through the Internet. Some, I’ve been fortunate enough to put a face with and there have been those whose voices I heard in exchange of conversation but ALL have had important value in my life.

Some of them I know professionally. Even in cyberspace a positive work environment is important. I have been blessed with some of the most supportive and compassionate people instructing me as I grow in different areas. I can’t recall one single time that I have ever felt intimidated or underminded by my mentors. Certainly, there have been a few times when I have needed that little extra ounce of guidance or reassurance and I was never turned away. My colleagues are not ashamed to admit that we are all continually learning and that we can best gain success by always allowing ourselves to be accessible to knowledge. I am grateful to be part of two equally remarkable teams.

Along with the amazing professional teams I have had the pleasure of working with, I have also made a tremendous number of friends. Many I have accumulated through the numerous areas of human services I take part in online and others I’ve been blessed to meet by chance. I’m so amazed by all I have learned from them and the continuous bond we share. So many of them are so dear to my heart and have become such a part of my personal life that sometimes I wonder if they might know me better than I know myself.

I understand the quirks I hear about one’s sincerity online but are these not the same things we face on a day to day basis offline? That is reality whether it is at face value or otherwise. Personally I feel that I have met the most openhearted, sincere people anyone could ever hope to know. Some of those sent me letters of support after reading my last two columns. I deeply appreciate that. Others, I’ve yet to meet but you continually and faithfully read each month so you are a part of me. Without you I’d have no reason to write. I’m honored.

Gratefully yours, Laurie