Once again the unimaginable has crept into our lives, this time it was an elementary school in Texas. Our babies are defenseless against the boogeyman and we’re continually failing to protect them.

I chose to process differently this time, because I needed to. I didn’t watch around the clock media coverage. I didn’t focus on the tales told. I refrained from engaging in multiple conversations on the incident. I chose to protect myself by not being present in that moment.

I don’t have a solution! I don’t know how to fix this; therefore, I can not allow it to impact my mental stability.

Um, that’s a thought worth writing about! There are a multitude of situations that I take personal responsibility for that I have no control over, yet I spend countless hours fretting over. Lisa, you can’t make that man think the way you do! Lisa, you can’t make that woman “friend” like you do! Lisa, you can’t make that person act as you would!

I started this blog during the pandemic so I could free my mind of thoughts that were causing anxiety. I needed to release unhealthy energies so the best version of myself could come to the forefront. I needed to make my thoughts available to the world (well, my limited audience) for feedback and reassurance.

I started by speaking of the situation in Texas, did that young man have someone he could talk to about his troubles? How about the individual in NY, did he recognize that he needed to release thoughts that were consuming him? How about California, where did he go for feedback and reassurance?

We have to start openly talking about mental illness! Those “strange” people we avoid may be battling unseen dark forces. We can’t make fun of nor isolate them! I don’t suggest that untrained individuals try to counsel nor advise but everyone can offer a kind word.

The most helpful experience for me has been learning that others are dealing with similar anxieties. I’ve been able to get what I need through sharing my thoughts – others may need specialized care, and I encourage therapy! I can’t fix the whole world but I can work on my individual world – if you don’t know, that consists of me / myself / and I. What are you doing to improve your individual world?