I’ve been laughing, and sometimes cringing, when driving lately. There are drivers on the road whose bodies may be behind the wheel, but their attention is elsewhere. Is it on their coffee? Are they on phones? The open newspaper on the seat next to them? I’m not sure, but I was amazed to see that in one case, it was the blue glow of an open computer screen, and the driver had only one hand on the wheel. I’ve learned a lot of lessons, cautionary tales, but they were all bundled in the same theme:

Don’t be THAT guy!

Mindfulness is a way of focusing your attention fully on where you are and what you are doing, right at that moment. I usually think of it as a way to keep myself healthy, focused, grounded, and aware. It’s good for me. But lately I realize that keeping one’s mind on the present moment is also good for the people around me. When parenting, being fully engaged with my child. Intentionally noticing the beautiful things around me and feeling gratitude. Seeing the humanity in the people around me and feeling compassion. And, yes, realizing that my car is not just transporting me; it is interacting with many people’s lives.

A wise person recently told me that he wants to make a difference in the world, and initially thought it had to be through his career choice. Lately, though, he said, “Maybe I can just be the guy in a car who is kind to the other drivers, waves someone ahead, smiles in beltway traffic, and just makes a few people’s days easier.”

My goal is to be THAT guy 🙂

This is Suicide Prevention Week. Are you, or someone you know, in pain? 

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US, and third among adolescents. What would you do if you, or someone you loved, couldn’t go on? 

If you had any other condition that required treatment in order to save your life, wouldn’t you seek medical advice? The brain is one of the organs in the human body, and it deserves at least the same care and attention as all the others.

Today I am grateful for the yellow flower that was growing out of the pavement in the Safeway parking lot. I noticed how full my cupboard was, and bought extra tuna packs and granola bars to keep in my car for those without. How kind was the grocery clerk who asked how my day was before ringing up my purchase? I am comforted by the fact that, if ever I or someone I know is distraught and needs medical attention, there is a local ER equipped to help, and 1-800-273-TALK, 24 hours a day.

For more information, you can read this article from the National Institute of Health. 

Be well, everyone. I am so glad you are here.  ♥