Three years ago today, life was fairly normal for most of us. We had appointments to keep, places to go, jobs that needed tending, errands to run. We had plans for the next week or so: plans that included travel; plans that included seeing friends; taking care of business in far off places. Most of us worried about the small stuff - paying bills, our daughter's first date, a situation with someone that needed fixing.

And then, insanity seared our collective brains; a tragedy that still boggles the mind and divides the country. We all have a "what I was doing the day it hit" story. We all had different vantage points. Friends in New York have the most harrowing stories. In Midwestern states and further west, it was a surreal, slow-motion movie: planes hitting the same buildings unremittingly, for hours.

Everyone has a friend they know who was directly impacted. Hawaii people have a story of planes not ferrying stranded tourists; grocery shelves empty; no mail leaving the state or coming in for weeks. A sudden realization that we were, indeed, an island.

What do we do when disaster strikes? We all react differently according to our experience, upbringing, and nature. Scientists have researched stresses big and small. Their conclusion? After reading over 200 pages this week on stress, post traumatic stress disorders and their cures, I can give you their collective advice in three words:

I don't say that to be flippant. It is serious advice. The best thing we can do for ourselves and our loved ones is to learn how to cope when life doesn't go the way we think it should.

For the next several newsletters, I will share my thoughts with you on this research. Ultimately, you are the only person who will hang out with you for your entire life. It is important that you do everything you can to cope well on your life's adventure.

So - for the next week, ask yourself one question every morning: "What can I do today to become more balanced and well adjusted to my life and my circumstances?"

And I will see you next time!
Thanks for reading (and listening!).
Beth

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