The Optimist: I used to eat at soup kitchens to survive. Now as a volunteer, I see it from the other side.

How to check in on friendships and repair them ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Sign up for this newsletter Read online Stories that inspire.     If you like The Optimist, you know The Washington Post covers all parts of the news, including the best of humanity. If you value the full range of The Post's coverage — stories that uplift, teach you something new and explain the world — consider subscribing now. Until Tuesday, we're offering a Black Friday deal of a year of unlimited access for just $0.99 every four weeks.  Happy holidays! — Steven Johnson, newsletter editor (Kate Hunter) I used to eat at soup kitchens to survive. Now as a volunteer, I see it from the other side. Most people who served me won't ever hear my words of appreciation. But with this, I'm starting to pay them back. Perspective ●  By Ed Kressy ●  Read more »   The friendship checkup: How to reevaluate relationships and take steps to repair them Experts say it's important to periodically reassess our friendships, because they can affect our physical and psychological health. By Stacey Colino ●  Read more »   10 photo essays that capture 2021, a year of uncertainty and endurance These images remind us that even in our fractured, confused and suffering world, it remains possible that where we can find trust again, we can be healed. From the Magazine ●  By Washington Post Staff ●  Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT   Former grocer (and current crossing guard) has for decades hosted free Thanksgiving feast for 3,000 This Thanksgiving will be the 51st year Bob Vogelbaugh has hosted a turkey dinner for anyone who shows up. By Cathy Free ●  Read more »   I was an unhappy person. Here's how I started to record my small joys and peel away my layers of anger. When I'm focused on how to take joy from life, I do take more joy from it. Perspective ●  By Sarah Garone ●  Read more »   Cartoonist Ray Billingsley has been portraying Black family life for decades — and now he's getting his due The "Curtis" cartoonist Ray Billingsley has brought heart and humor to such serious subjects as covid-19 — and his peers just gave him the Reuben Award for outstanding cartoonist of the year. By Michael Cavna ●  Read more »   ADVERTISEMENT   Upgrade your Thanksgiving with 4 easy, low- or no-cost flourishes Scour the house and your imagination, and maybe recruit some guests, to add those finishing touches to Thanksgiving. By Becky Krystal ●  Read more »   How former NBA player Iman Shumpert, the 'underdog' of 'Dancing With the Stars,' defied the odds and won the show "Iman, from day one, you have shown that you are special," one judge said, adding: "When you dance, I feel joy, and I feel happy to be alive." By Emily Yahr ●  Read more »   How Lin-Manuel Miranda became a go-to songwriter for Disney For his new film "Encanto," Miranda was inspired by family, Colombian instruments and the Disney songbook. By Michael Cavna ●  Read more »   The pandemic forced me to juggle odd jobs. I didn't expect to be here, but I'm proud of myself for navigating it. Even when I can't balance them all, I always hold on to what I learn. The Lily ●  By Lauren Ibañez ●  Read more »     We think you'll like this newsletter Check out A Better Week for a 7-day email course that will help you conquer your calendar, get more done and find time for the things you care about. Sign up »

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