![How We Thrive in the World](https://cdn.magzter.com/1357655060/1684332303/articles/m8YXQ-EKL1684397461466/HOW-WE-THRIVE-IN-THE-WORLD.jpg)
How I Became a Familiar Face
To those looking for a “sister” or just someone to lean on, I want to fill the gap.
by Laura Cathcart Robbins
"Remember, Laura, if you're ever in trouble, always look for a sister."
The year was 1972. I was 7 and about to fly by myself for the second time ever. As my father said goodbye, he knelt down, looked me in the eye and said those words. Meaning that a Black woman, any Black woman, would probably offer me more safety and protection than the white flight attendants.
Fifty years later, whenever I enter a room, I do just that. When we find each other and our eyes meet, we usually nod or smile, the unspoken code for "I see you."
In 2008, I was newly divorced and a mom to two young boys. I was also deeply ashamed about being an addict (Ambien was my drug of choice) and, oddly enough, even more ashamed to be in recovery. I had just left an all-white drug and alcohol treatment center and returned home to Los Angeles. When I arrived at my first recovery meeting after rehab, I looked around the room for a sister to make me feel safe. But I was the only non-white person there.
After a few months of daily meetings, I stopped focusing on the differences and managed to find some similarities. The woman in the seat next to me was also newly divorced. The lady with the Boston accent cried when she talked about the shame of being an alcoholic mom. As resistant as I was to "joining" this group, these meetings were saving my life.
It took 10 years to assemble a small group of Black women who felt safe enough to share in a mostly white space. Each time a Black newcomer walked in the door, one of us would welcome her. Slowly we became a small brown oasis in a sea of white faces.
Esta historia es de la edición June 2023 de Good House Keeping - US.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 2023 de Good House Keeping - US.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
![Keeping Pets COOL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/HDd256E3V1719908575076/KEEPING-PETS-COOL.jpg)
Keeping Pets COOL
All our furry friends, from dogs and cats to rabbits, are in danger of overheating in high temperatures. Here's how to help.
![The SUMMER CAMP CONUNDRUM](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/MIsAFiGN_1719908381760/THE-SUMMER-CAMP-CONUNDRUM.jpg)
The SUMMER CAMP CONUNDRUM
School may be out, but for parents, trying to nab coveted slots to cover the hours, days and weeks is no picnic.
![EASY WEEKNIGHTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/s-gyi7tGo1719908158131/EASY-WEEKNIGHTS.jpg)
EASY WEEKNIGHTS
Make a fresh and delicious dinner in less time than you'd need to order takeout.
![It's BARBECUE SEASON](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/dIHFNbEf31719906914343/ITS-BARBECUE-SEASON.jpg)
It's BARBECUE SEASON
Give your cookout menu a refresh with fun mains, flavorful sides and sweet bites. Let's celebrate summer!
![YOUR ULTIMATE Summer Survival Guide](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/rYfR8qusi1719906513746/YOUR-ULTIMATE-SUMMER-SURVIVAL-GUIDE.jpg)
YOUR ULTIMATE Summer Survival Guide
Now's the time to savor the sun, the fun, the ice cream! The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute share simple strategies for making the most of the season-safely.
![TICK, TICK..BOOM!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/17D7mVOWF1719905974271/TICK-TICKBOOM.jpg)
TICK, TICK..BOOM!
These tiny menaces can cause more than Lyme disease. Here's what you need to know about a new spate of tick-borne illnesses.
![SIZZLING BEACH READS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/QdGrLO5s01719905641540/SIZZLING-BEACH-READS.jpg)
SIZZLING BEACH READS
What better way to relax than with a great book, a cold drink and a reclining lounge chair? From Nigeria to Nebraska, Mesopotamia to Mississippi, travel the world without leaving your backyard with the literary itinerary below.
![WHEN LIFE THREW US CURVEBALLS, DAD AND I HAD BASEBALL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/xOu64hCuf1719905333603/WHEN-LIFE-THREW-US-CURVEBALLS-DAD-AND-I-HAD-BASEBALL.jpg)
WHEN LIFE THREW US CURVEBALLS, DAD AND I HAD BASEBALL
After the loss of my mother and my brother in the same year, watching Little League brought my dad and me closer-and helped us heal.
![the new SMALL TOWN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/3Mtx0CwET1719904901473/THE-NEW-SMALL-TOWN.jpg)
the new SMALL TOWN
The latest real estate trend: quaint communities with all the amenities, designed to support your physical, mental and emotional well-being- and help you get to know your neighbors.
![live outdoors BREEZY SPACES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2245/1729663/W1ydUWFp81719904625728/LIVE-OUTDOORS-BREEZY-SPACES.jpg)
live outdoors BREEZY SPACES
Enjoy long days and warm nights with your own outdoor oasis. Take inspiration from these refreshed spaces and other decor ideas.