 This week Robin Williams gave us the gift of a collective wake up call. Will we press the snooze button? We could easily have a discussion about any of the following topics; suicide, depression, anxiety, loneliness the list goes on. All of the topics I just mentioned are symptoms, that invite us to look a little deeper. I have spent a lot of time this week reflecting on how I have felt over the years and how far I have come. To be honest its difficult to truly connect to what feelings I was experiencing years ago. However, I do remember days when the best I could do was lay on the couch, watch TV and do the absolute minimum to get through the day. I simply didn't have the will or the energy or the desire to leave the house. I can also tell you that there was one time, when I absolutely entertained the thought of ending my time here on this earth. As I read all the personal stories that people have shared this week about suicide and their relationship with it, I am grateful that the conversation is deepening. I become deeply sad when I imagine that anyone can feel so alone that the only option left is to take their own life and I also understand that choice. I believe we have become so disconnected from ourselves, our purpose and each other that we can't share and have dialogues about the topics that really matter. So even though I am surrounded by people that absolutely love me, I can feel absolutely alone when the conversation can't hold space for my truth. Please.... read that last sentence again as I truly believe that this is where the greatest opportunity for change exists. This wake up call is actually a call to action. You have the power to make a difference for those around you that appear to be invisibly suffering. “It's a wonderful feeling when your father becomes not a god but a man to you -- when he comes down from the mountain and you see he's this man with weaknesses. And you love him as this whole being, not as a figurehead.” ~ Robin Williams 5 Ways To Not Press SnoozeTake Responsibility ~ I've shared this before (source unknown) Responsibility = Your Ability to Respond. It may be a stretch and if you are willing, you are able to respond. This can be as simple as saying a solid "YES" to whatever is coming next. "Yes I am willing and able to take action". Take Action ~ Focus on the very next thing you can do and nothing else. It could be to acknowledge the sadness you see in your friends face. It could be to pick up the phone and call your friend. It could be to stop doing what you are doing so that you can be present in this moment. It could be reaching out and putting your hand on the persons shoulder. Trust Your Gut ~ Thinking we don't know keeps us stuck in not taking action. Everything you need is right there within you. Drop down out of your mind and into your heart and follow your instincts. Believe it or not, there was a time when self help books didn't exist. We are born into this world knowing what to do for each other. Breathe into the moment and you will find the answer you need. Stand In The Discomfort ~ You may feel uncomfortable in the moment. Stay with the discomfort and trust the outcome. You will surprise yourself. Comfort is often just beyond the discomfort if we allow ourselves to ride the wave of feelings. Rinse And Repeat ~ Take what you learned from this experience and apply it to the next one. Take risks and reach out beyond your comfort zone. Repeating the experience creates more opportunities to learn and integrate your experiences and stay awake. Be the change you wish to see in the world ~ Mahatma Gandhi
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Ross Tayler 
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August 2023
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