Outrage takes energy; so does grief

 

But the answer does not lie in avoidance.

I try to avoid things that could be considered political, but seriously!  Children.  Little bodies that have to fight harder to live, that bleed out faster, that were such innocents, beloved of their families.

Remember when YOUR kids were 3rd and 4th graders?  Still tender.  Hurting with bumps and bruises from bicycle mishaps.  Sometimes stubborn and resistant to rules... a pain.  Sometimes hilarious.  But so promising!

I do believe in the power of prayer, but I also believe that prayer should lead to guidance for action.  Action to do something.  Something is better than nothing.  And nothing seems to be what happens, over and over again, about this problem, in this America.

Yes, it's a complex thing.  There are many factors.  Mental health is a piece of it.  Availability of legal weapons that really have no purpose other than killing people is a piece of it.  Hatred and division is a piece of it, the dehumanization of "other" groups.  But saying a problem is "too complex" is not a reason to completely ignore it or just say "thoughts and prayers", no matter how sincere those thoughts and prayers may be.

Even if it's not perfect, something is better than nothing.  I'm not going to argue what that something should be.  But, c'mon, politicians:  GET TO WORK!  

The majority, even among gun owners, do believe in "common sense gun laws". How about those who believe in mental health support?  Public education on red flags?  Don't just give it lip service.  Do your part.  Make sure your representatives know your views.  That it makes a difference in how you vote.

It takes putting one foot in front of another to take care of community health and safety.  If you've read this far, hoping for the pep talk related to healthy habits, here we go:  

• Treat yourself gently.  
• Be kind to combat the sadness of the world.  Light extinguishes darkness.
• Drink your water.
• Eat to nourish your immune system, it's under extra stain with the stress of the news.
• Speaking of which, take breaks from the news, but don't ignore the issue!  Finding a balance between obsession and avoidance/denial is needed.
• Go for a walk, outside if you can... or work out another way.  It's good for your mental health.
• And at the end of the day, let it all go and rest.  We can only do what we can in one day.  Whatever that was, at the end of the day, declare it enough.

LIFE is good, support LIFE!  Spark on!