Even in suffering there is meaning. In 2017, there have been a lot of natural disasters, chaos, and terrorist attacks across the world. When I think about it, there is so much suffering happening all around us, and it can easily make us feel like we live in a dark world.

I was thinking about the fires in California, and how it has affected my friends that live out in the Napa Valley area, and it saddened me to see such devastation. In life though, I do believe there is silver lining to every shitty situation. There is nothing like a crisis that brings people together. People affected by the California fires were taken in by family and friends, and as a community, it is up to us to help rebuild homes. Personally, I’ve noticed that when life gets tough, that’s when I see and experience the most love and compassion from others. That’s when I can call out to my friends and family for support. 

![22664497_10156716843547926_1969893418_o.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmT9DL8iA3RcyGj5DfPhHc4xoipcEV26wv6hEoQyP49WXi/22664497_10156716843547926_1969893418_o.jpg)
*This photo was taken by a friend who’s family lives in Santa Rosa. 

When I think about Steemit, it really lifts me up, because this is a platform that allows all of us to be connected. When I first got on Steemit, I was excited to see that this was a platform that paid people for their creativity. I’ve had my fair share of fun making posts for ya’ll. The more I hung out on Steemit, I started to view Steemit as more than a place to just post cool ideas and content. Steemit can be used for so much more, to help bring awareness, to help support others, and to just be there for each other. 

So even in suffering, just remember, we have each other, we have our community, and we will be there to help each other out.
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![22689742_10156716538752926_1593147943_o.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZGpZdjdLb6Vv5r4KWWzY3zrCv8AujkMWnFinXdpkRHXH/22689742_10156716538752926_1593147943_o.jpg)
With love,
Karen </center>