January 2020 has been a long month. Sadly, there have been many tragic events, violent occurrences and devastating losses thus far. Many people have suffered due to negligence, overwhelm, lack of knowledge, minimal staffing and other reasons beyond comprehension. Preventable situations gone bad are happening far too frequently.
Now, I am certainly not saying that things will change overnight. But there are some things we can start doing right now that will at least give us a chance. Starting where we are, rather than trying to take down a kingdom, is a great place to begin. It's time we focus on ourselves, our own challenges, our own families and our own communities.
We can be better. We can DO better.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance, or someone you know needs help, or if you are concerned how a professional is handling a situation, whatever the case may be, there are ways to work for a positive outcome. Here are some suggestions:
Educate. Educate yourself and help educate others. I'm not talking about voicing your opinion. I'm talking about getting facts. Whatever the situation, subject or event you are dealing with. Do the research, make the extra phone calls, make sure you have the accurate facts, get the second and third opinions, and keep going until you find the truth that will help. When you are educated on the subject in question, you can advocate for yourself and for others. You have a better chance of things going your way. When you aren't informed at all, your chances of getting what you want or the help you need are significantly less.
Find Your Tribe. Surround yourself with trusted friends, a supportive group of people who get it. Make lasting connections, expand your professional network, link up with like minded groups. Be with people who are kind, motivating and inspiring. These same people will be the ones to jump at a chance to help you with something.
Trust your Instincts. I can not express enough the power of trusting your instincts. The feeling in your gut when you know something is or isn't right. When faced with decisions out of your area of expertise or in situations you aren't already knowledgeable on, you may push your instincts aside. Do not do that any more. Something inside of you is telling you to get another opinion. Something is pushing you to keep searching. Something is gnawing at you to look over your shoulder. At the very least, I urge you to take a step back and listen to what your instincts are saying. Learn to hear and to trust your inner guidance system.
