The best of any day is how we treat ourselves and others. When you rise, think about something wonderful you want to do that day. No time limits, just something you are going to do for YOU. Think about how you can positively impact another life by simply being kind to them. What you do does leave an impression and we need every single person to remember that.

Eloquent speech isn't going to cut it here. This is about saving lives. Each and every one of us deserves to live. Deserves a chance at a new, fresh start. Incorporating negatives keeps you down and others may not help it, so I'm telling you now: you are worth it. Every breath, every move, every thought, you are worth it. All of the energy it takes to muster up and maintain negative thoughts are not worth it. We all have bad days. Bad moments. Bad experiences. How we deal with the emotional curves makes us a stronger person. You don't have to go it alone.

And if you aren't quite up to making a phone call think about this-I believe in you. Here is a poem I have written and dedicated to all of us.

                                                            No Worries Little Lamb

No worries little lamb we have you in mind
In view, in sight, in heart and in kind
When a tear falls we hear it even if in the woods
We care, no fear, you will always be understood
So don't fret or be terrified you are the little engine that could

If you feel a sense sadness don't fret or resort
To any action that can leave you hurt
Nothing is worth it because we all care
No worries little lamb, you are I our watch-care

Lift up your eyes and see your self
The beauty, the offering, your life of wealth
You are amazing in every way, that's how you were made
Not an excuse, nor experiment, your life's example an aid
For any to find a reason to live
It's you, little lamb-with all our hearts we care

Anytime you feel that you cannot face another minute, please reach out, you are not alone.

Until next time~

With the latest suicide of Cathriona White, you wonder what went wrong. She wasn't someone you may have known personally, in fact, before her death made headline news, you may not have ever heard of her. But she mattered. Famous, infamous, attached to celebrity, she mattered. She had siblings, James, Sara, Tadhg, Larina and Lisa. She was alive and breathing-living just two short weeks ago, now lifeless and leaving those who loved her, mourning the loss. She reportedly will be buried alongside her father, her precious dad. But why did this have to happen at all?

The constant is questioning why. What went wrong is the long and short version of a life snuffed out too soon and trying to figure out what it's worth. The measure of a person is not what is thought of by others but what he/she thinks of oneself. It is so vitally important to know and accept yourself but we often miss the point, neglecting, fielding, denying and downright ignoring our own selves. We can't wait to grow up, get into the big bad world we are going to conquer. Getting in over our heads, we drown. Its a slow process. Needing acceptance and love, we forfeit common sense and reason. We can handle this alone. More disappointment. Sad but ok. Another year goes by. Not exactly happy but resignation sets in and this is the life we couldn't wait for. Missing it, sleeping through it, no eating for me today. Too exhausted to chew. What is flavor? I can live on water. Sedentary. Same old work, same old friends, same old-same-old.

No, this isn't the way it was meant to be for me. I need to get up, take a shower but I'm tired. No! I'm getting up, calling a friend. DO I have friends? Yes-Yes. I want this life. I do, don't I? I'll figure it out. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe the day after that. Oh man, I have no energy. Let me call one of my friends-that's it, I'll get up and take a shower instead of taking those pills. Wait. I'm not ready. Yes, no...no. Ok is this the day or this afternoon? Should I care about who I leave behind-no. No one loves me. Ok-one more try, get up and try sitting up before you stand up. Taking a deep breath, I'm looking out of the window. A bird chirps with a peculiar and familiar sound. I smell crisp air and apples. Is that an apple smell?

What do I know. I'm not smart enough to know anything anymore. Why am I here? Why am I here. Ok, dialing, dialing..leaning my head against the headboard...and a voice I know can help me. It's going to be ok, if only for today.

How I wish that every time someone thought about taking their own life they could have it in their mind to accept and embrace help. Its not as simple as a switch to turn on and off. No one chooses to be depressed so telling them to snap out of it is plain ridiculous. Over the years I have spoken and worked with many who have and are still dealing with some form of depression. Some of the mental checklists, internal arguments and temptations mentioned above are just some of the harsh realities of their every day.

For the month of October every week a blog post will have a dedicated focus on depression through poetry,  suggestions and powerful inspiration. For those we have lost, for those we hope can feel a sense of wanting to go on, please, please, please don't give up.

Hope may be a phone call away but when you feel bad inside, down deep, that phone can seem a million miles away, with a voice too far away to feel solace. Please do not lose heart. We love, want and need you here. Right here with us.

Until next time~