Dear disheartened Americans

Dear Disheartened Americans
Recent events greatly impacted the hope, courage, and spirit of many Americans. I have noticed many of you getting very quiet, and even disconnecting from life and other people. Shutting down to protect, is an automatic response of the nervous system when threatened with danger. It can be wise and helpful at times to temporarily retreat. Yet if you retreat into a deep dark cave there is 

little there to help you recover. This deprivation can be dangerous, because it can take a stronger and longer hold of you convincing you to numb out and stay within. Instead of retreating into a deep dark cave, fill your life with comfort, hope, and love. Stop and look around, is the entire world around currently unsafe? Even though you feel disappointed and raw there is still beauty and joy available to you. Tune into what feels safe and hopeful. Start small if you need to, make your home cozy, read a book, escape into nature. From there expand into listening to uplifting people, reach out to a friend, find something to laugh about, go out in public and see that people are still smiling. From here you might begin to feel ready to fully reconnect with life, offering hope and love to others. Your voice, your actions, and your devotion to a better world matter. You matter. Please don't give up. I need you and the world needs you!