There have been multiple tragedies in the news recently--the Dallas police officers, the attacks in France, the deaths of many young people. To quote a favorite song of mine, "We're all damaged, we're all frightened." None of us know what's going on, and these events are polarizing. Without taking sides, I would like us all to take a moment and reflect on the good amidst the devastation, the glimmer of light in the darkness of humanity's struggle.

Look outside your window and picture your favorite season. Is it autumn, winter, spring or summer? Think about the sounds and sights associated with that season. Crunching leaves and trees appearing to be consumed by fiery colors, or pillowy snowdrifts and the soft "piff" of a snowball being thrown. The birds chirping outside your window and the bursts of color from flowers and buds from the newly green ground, or the splashing of the pool and children playing outdoor games among fireflies. Let these images consume your mind, and fill you with a warm fuzzy feeling. These are your favorite parts of the year. It's OK to transport yourself to this time and refresh your mind.

Look into the next room. Maybe you see your children, your partner or your pets. Maybe you see the warm blanket on your bed, or the cheerful light from the window. If it's raining, maybe you see the drops racing down to the sill, and the rumble of thunder outside. If it's nighttime, maybe you see stars glittering against the deep navy of the night sky, or if it's overcast, the bright streetlight emitting a warm glow in the comfort of the dark. Realize that this is also good--you're alive, and these are sights that other people may not get the privilege of seeing. This is where you are and you can think to yourself.

Go into your mind and dig around for your favorite memory. Maybe it's your wedding day, or the day your child was born. Maybe it's laughing with your best friend about a silly joke, or maybe it's running with your dog. Maybe it's just curling up under a mountain of blankets and feeling safe. Whatever it may be, let that memory take you over. Remember that while this was in the past, there are more good things to come. There are more memories to be made, there are more sights and sounds and smells to be encountered and preserved in your memory.

If you've lost someone recently, know that people are waiting to reach out to you. Maybe you've heard "I'm sorry" far too often, and you feel that no one understands. Maybe you block everything out, try and forget everything about them. However you cope, that's all right--my plea to you is that you find someone you trust and pour out a little bit of that pressure. We have an instinct of suppressing emotions that we perceive are dead weight, and obstruct our daily lives. If you cope by isolating yourself, that's OK--just make sure someone is always available when you decide you can't take it anymore.

Even when life is dim and happiness seems beyond your reach, know life will take a good turn and wrap you in the arms of joy, filling your being with a sense of calm. After all, we are all in the same boat... We just need to cling to each other in the cave of sadness until one of us makes a cheerful fire. Keep holding on, it gets so much better.

This was not meant to discount anyone's experiences or suffering. This is just an attempt to help people find a way to get some relief from the negativity in our world today. If you find yourself trapped in a situation where you or someone you know is adamant on putting you, themselves or others in danger, please call a hotline number or a close friend. If you have already made a life-altering choice that sends you right into the lap of danger, please call an emergency number. They can help you. We all love you, and we don't want to see your name on a list.