Bruce, who has been using Personal Safety Nets® tools since we met last year, wrote to us recently from his home in New York City.

"New York is a cold, hard and uncaring city, right? I live in a building with 19 floors and, perhaps, 300 apartments. Well, yesterday, I found a flier under my door. The flier said:

Have you ever needed someone to water your plants, pick up your mail, or accompany you to or from a medical appointment? These are a few of the services residents in 372 CPW (where I live) will offer to help their neighbors. You can participate in this volunteer program by giving and/or receiving occasional assistance.

A 372 CPW Resident Resource Directory is in the works. On the other side of this letter is a list of suggested services. Please check any you might be able to provide on occasion and return to the front desk, addressed to KH, 18C.

"When I read Personal Safety Nets®, I realized that my Care-share network was not in New York. The people that I love and care about are mostly on the West Coast. Now that I have received this flier, I've realized that I can start giving care within my own building! I am smiling!"

Now, with the myth of a "big cold city" busted, I sleep better at night. We all want and need community... plus it makes us happier!

There's a 100 percent chance that you will experience change and challenge in your life. Whether it's:

· Losing your home to foreclosure
· Unexpected job loss
· Relocating for a great new job
· National or local elections

To paraphrase the words of Sheldon Solomon, professor of psychology at Skidmore College "[s]tress is when the demands on an individual are greater than the resources. With time, education and outside help, this balance can always change."

Even when all is in chaos, you'll be better able to remain calm and to experience better results if you've put effort into creating a plan, a Personal Safety Net, to guide your response.