We create apps, build sites create incredible social media. In the blink of an eye there are so many choices at the snap of a finger, one can literally change the face of technology in an instant. Rich dialogue lends itself to the passionate views of any and all that want their say in the most public of venues.

In the flash of a national news segment, emotional responses facilitated barbed nerve endings across regions, unions, bureaus. Marring harmony that had no business whatsoever being interrupted. It only took one town and another tragic story to imbibe and reignite an old scabbing wound that refuses to heal. Take a step back a minute, a deep breath. More hatred heaped atop hatred, masking racial prejudice with a smile and taking advantage of an already terrible situation by senseless looting in the name of opportunity is no way to work on the issues.

Enhancing your atmosphere with positive, real reinforcement is not a dream, yet it takes more work than many want to put effort into. Family values instilled and lovingly applied by parents, guardians and others raising families must be a priority. It is not up to the teachers, tv and internet. We are responsible. Are we raising or uprising?

Harping on racial issues cannot be the caveat to change within itself. If it were, the solutions would fill the ocean floor.

Racial hatred is not a trait, it is an influenced mindset, and with everyone shouting from the rooftops, where is there room for veritable growth?

On one of my thousands of trips to New York, I remember an occasion when a young pedestrian was crossing the street mindlessly, with headset to brainwave, without a care in the world. A group of onlookers, who appeared to be tourists all began shouting at the same time for the young man to get out of the way of a sports car charging up the rear and taking the turn on two wheels, on the blindside of the young man.

With a quizzical look, the young man may have surmised the older crowd's intentions were to scold him about his gear. Reluctantly resting one side of the ear buds on his neck, he now hears the outcries. Tumbling back seconds before what could have been tragedy, my crew along with some others, crossed over to his side of the street to ask him if he were ok. He responded that he was and said that it was the person flailing their arms that alerted him to the danger. With the buds in his ears he heard some residual noise but didn't get the sense of urgency.

I reflected on this when reviewing the past week's events, so my question is this-with everyone screaming are we getting the genesis of the problem?

As thinking, conscious and amazingly logical people, we owe it to ourselves to get to the root of why some hate, where the pain began and why you are still holding on to it.

Until next time~

Over 100 film and television show credits to his name, what stands out is the role Robin Williams lived as the man.  Humanitarian, loving father and husband, he was the genuine article.

Scores of media will recount thousands of appearances, and don't get me wrong, that is great stuff. But, Monday was no extraordinary day in the life of a man who had no where to run. It was shaping up to be less prolific for someone who screamed for help so loudly it deafened those possibly closest to him and cast a limited eye view to all who admired his work, despite his own admissions. 

Robin was noted as kind, generous, loving, always looking out for others type- person. In some of these recantings  are the most endearing emotional responses one can evoke as death is never something we want to accept, we involuntarily yield to it's lethal injection on our imperfect, tender hearts and souls. Life's lessons continue to teach us whether we opt out or not. Saying you know someone is depressed is very different from understanding what deep depression can and will do to alter your atmosphere.

Disbelief gives way to sadness, anger and finally resignation as the question appeals as to what could have been done to prevent this terrible tragedy. Sorrowfully, the answer may not be popular but it is one that lends itself to a quiet scope on the many concerns surrounding deep depression: in the end the person hurting may still choose to end their own life, taking their grief with them.

For those who fight this condition, it is tough enough without being ignored. Please reach out to those you know or suspect may be affected. Do the research and seek to educate not hide the facts of depression. Pleasant remembrances of a dear friend, family or the famous is an awesome way to keep the good times present. Helping those left behind and trying to help sufferers of depression instead of sweeping it under the rug might help more individuals ask for assistance-if they want it, and might aid one more person to fight the fine fight for life. One worth living.

Robin McLaurin Williams is already missed as heavy hearts support our tears, please remember those he left behind: His wife, Susan Schneider, children, Zachary, Zelda and Cody and all of his family, extended and otherwise.

Please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  at 800-273-TALK (8255), because life can go on and we want you here-right here with us. Alive-living-surviving, experiencing happiness-with nothing to be ashamed of.

Until next time~

Dawn

Weddings. Births. Retirements. Fantasy vacations. Career changes. Life changes. Circumstances change and we make adjustments, some on good terms, others necessity for survival. How do you plan the life that you want? Carefully. Instant gratification has become the tag line of our society, yet the things we may want to do continue etching farther away.

Paint a picture in your mind of what and where you want to be in one year. Actuate the first step within weeks so the goal can take flight early on. Revisit step one during the process for adjustment. Never think that because you accomplished a step that it may not need an update and be humble enough to accept the fact that correction and rejection is a part of life. If you need more time to see your journey to fruition-no problem. The most important thing is to integrate with a healthy balance.

There was a time that I thought no greater joy would there be than to have children. While I may never become a mother, I made it my goal to encourage every child I could and make their day if only by talking to them with respect, treating them with kindness, being genuinely interested. It means so much more than trying to buy their affection or being passive.

In my adolescence, I had a second floor bedroom with a wonderful view of green grass and trees-I love trees.  My favorite time of year was and still is Fall. The rustling of a brisk breeze where I purposely allowed the season to chill the room to experience the chilly sensation, it made me feel alive. In those untold hours I dreamt of what type of life I wanted, a home, decorated with my personality. Wanting to make all of my own decisions-of course that is what most young ones want! More than that though, I longed for a life where I could build on my forever. It did not matter whether it meant going it alone or having family support but I wanted my forever to be great.

Time and circumstance happened and it took time to realize certain realities but I never gave up. Learning to hone in on what I needed as opposed to what I wanted kept it real for me as I matured. Instead of keeping everything in my head or in a diary  that I reflected on only when I felt a little down-I learned to live. Learn to live outside the box. Write it down, make it live, make it work. There are so many more things I want to do and I have just begun. You have a fresh start at s

Let your words take flight from head to heart to heel.

Until next time~

Dawn