A Thought Or Two This Heavy Day

No streak of amazing days is ever unbroken. The hard things in life can stop us where we stand for minutes, hours or even days. Whether it is personal or environmental, some events have a way of reaching inside us and demanding our attention. Even if just for a few moments.

Sadness and anger are often thought of as negative emotions because they are not the first, second or even third choice most of us would make. I've come to think that theses aren't necessarily bad things in feel in life, particularly when they call our attentions to matters that ought not be ignored. They are profound alerts that change is either needed or in progress. 

If something ignites a fire or triggers action that leads to a positive outcome, it's hardly negative. Wallowing in or staying fixated on the anger or sadness is when the negativity rears its head. Using our pain to forge good change and new, healthier paths is how we avoid the lure of the darker things inside us. 

I find the recent tragedies that have befallen this country at the hands of dark souls difficult to discuss. I'm not certain what lessons there are to be gained in light of such violent and senseless acts, and it is possible that they won't be revealed for some time. While those of us who aren't directly involved or suffering loss might experience varying levels of sadness and anger, avoiding the urge to look beyond the disturbed individuals who made these tragic events reality in order to lay blame is crucial. 

We can only find unity against terror and hate if we do not allow the negative energy to spread out of fear and outrage. It isn't likely there will ever be a clear answer for why, though there will always be plenty of postulating as to the causes. Allowing ourselves to get stuck in trying to find explanations keeps us rooted in the negative energy of the event, rather than pushing us toward something better. The only way to make something out of such traumatic life altering times is to find a way to bring something positive forth. Right now, it might just be enough to resist adding fuel to the fires of hate. Negative words and actions don't alter the things that have already occurred, nor do they bring about positive change. Vengeful behavior begets vengeful behavior. Don't allow yourself to be a link in that chain.