"Be the change you wish to see in the world" --- Gandhi

Hello friends. This is my first article for Out & About, and as with any first time encounter, I want to introduce myself.

The purpose of this column is to discuss life, and all the aspects of it. I want to share my opinions and advice to help others who have questions. At minimum, this will be an advice column where you can write me with questions that are on your mind and I will respond with my input.

I tend to be "that friend" who everyone comes to seeking a listening ear. That's why I feel this column will be helpful and beneficial to you, the reader.

Aside from the standard question/answer format, I also plan to include my own stories about life whenever appropriate. I have a strong passion to help others, and an optimistic view of the way I'd like to see the world. That is why I chose to open this article with a very fitting quote by Gandhi. The first step in inspiring change is to be a living example of change.

I think we have a lot of work to do in becoming a happier, more compassionate, more loving breed of the human race. But I think that has to start on the inside. So many people are unhappy. Gay men in particular are at higher risk for depression, especially in their younger years and/or during the period of their life when they deal with coming out.

So how can we get happy again? We can't be happy with the rest of the world if we aren't happy with ourselves.

As you can see, we have a lot of topics to cover. We have a lot of areas in which I want to help people feel good about themselves, their relationships and their existence.

But you're in the driver's seat! The topics of this column will be fueled by your questions and feedback.

So let's get started. Ask me anything - editor@outvoices.us.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Out & About Newspaper. The opinions or views expressed are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat or diagnose; nor are they meant to replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from a licensed physician or mental health professional. Out & About Newspaper nor Nathan West is responsible for the outcome or results of following advice in any given situation. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require professional, psychological or medical help, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist. You are completely responsible for your actions and neither O&AN nor Nathan West accepts any liability for any situation in your life past, present or future. By submitting a letter here, you grant O&AN and Nathan West permission to publish it in print, on this site or elsewhere. However, be assured that your letter will only be identified with an anonymous descriptive signature such as "Closeted at Work" or your first name. If you prefer, you may change your name in your letter.