I was doing an exercise suggested by a creative thought-leader I’m friends with when I stumbled upon an idea that I didn’t realize was at the heart of what I do.

For this exercise, we were asked to write “I believe” statements about our work. My work is coaching writers and editing their books so they can create the best version of the book and connect optimally with readers.

I want the coaches, speakers, and business owners that I work with to write clean, clear, crisp books that actually help others, either by inspiration or instruction, so others may grow and live their best lives. But I didn’t realize what the deeper meaning of that was until I did the exercise. What I didn’t understand was why that is so important. The bigger picture.

I started out with some obvious statements: “I believe that writing a book doesn’t have to be hard. I believe that people can share their stories and impact so many people and that sharing your story helps others grow and live a more fulfilled life.”

That felt good. I knew that writing would help people. But then I pressed on: “I also believe that connecting people and sharing their stories is the best way to heal our planet.”

That’s a tall order, right? Heal our planet?

As someone with a biology degree (buried in my closet) and who worked as a scientific writer and editor for 10 years, it’s no surprise that I have a deep love and concern for our planet. But to connect it with my current work? That blew me away.

But here’s the thing. It’s true.

Commoradery bridges gaps between religions, cultures, races, and political opinions. When you meet someone who shares their story and you gasp, “I went through the same thing!” doesn’t it bring you closer?

This beautiful quote from Maya Angelou sums it up: “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” (From her The Complete Collected Poems)

And when you discover that new connection, you’ve gained another sister or brother.

As someone writing a book for your business, you are sitting on gold with this concept.

Your job with that book is to connect, especially if you’re guiding someone down the path that you once took. You want to help someone who needs you because you’ve been there before.

Humans have such a deep need for community and connection. Doesn’t it make sense that something like a book, even a nonfiction one, can bring us together and broaden our understanding of each other.

And that’s when the healing happens.

Caring about each other leads to a greater love. And hopefully, that is reflected in our care for the world around us. When we connect and care, we want others to live and love the same way we can. No matter the differences.

So if you have a book on your heart, write it. Develop that connection. Wrap it in love and send it out to the world. Together, we can connect, heal, and grow to be a better society.