It’s been a year since I’ve started this thing and I’ve gotta say things are… still the same if not worse. With all that’s going on in the world it’s needless to say that suicide prevention is more necessary now than it has ever been. The media reports suicide and sensationalizes it, perpetuating the stigma even further. It seems no one wants to talk about it for more than 5 minutes, and yet the act impacts a person… many people for LIFE. For example country singer Mindy Mccready recently took her life and the media seemingly couldn’t wait to mention her previous troubles before the end of her life. Its not like I’m expecting people to report the news with care, but this woman left behind family.. a 10 month old.. friends.. people who loved her more than I imagine she ever knew. What is it going to take for people to pay attention to the fact that people are hurting out there? I have to admit, I have been dropping the ball when it comes to suicide prevention efforts doing what everyone does from time to time… focusing too much on myself… on what’s right in front of me. I realize its ok to take a step back and refocus, but giving up is never an option. I almost gave up, but right when I was at my breaking point I was reminded of the whole reason this blog was started. All of the things that I have been through, that I am going through, are proof of strength and courage. They are proof that there is more than what you and I can see. They are proof that there is hope because things get better, always. All I want to do with this is encourage, uplift, inspire, & provoke people to use what they have to make a change.. no matter how (perceptively) minuscule or grand… whether it be within inwardly or otherwise. All I want to do.. is keep people alive; and living in every sense of the word. Better things are to come, survivors. Not just with you’re not finished, but in your own life as well. Stay tuned. 🙂