We are seeing many good things around us and it's giving us hope for 2021. New York is opening up and Governor Cuomo is allowing graduations and proms this year too.  But if you've been keeping your eyes on the news, there is a lot of disturbing and stressful news too.

Local School Blasted For Anti-Police Message

Locally, we see the video and response to a book being read by an elementary school teacher about inclusion and tolerance to kids. It is drawing the ire from both sides of the spectrum and it's making everyone uncomfortable and I actually feel uncomfortable mentioning it.

We've been conditioned to believe that bad things are coming and we are actually surprised when good things happen. Sometimes we are surprised by our weaknesses. Many of us are proud and think that we can do it on our own and we don't want to come off as weak.

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You are the one that people turn to and you have to be strong...at least that's what you believe. Believe me, it's okay to struggle but don't let your struggle stop you from accessing your strength. You are strong but it's still okay to reach out because we were never designed to do this by ourselves.

The person that you "know" that has it all together, just might be the person that needs someone like you to chat with the most. Being vulnerable is tough because (as the saying goes) if it was easy then everyone would be vulnerable.

Suggestions To Slow Down Stress

Try to get rest and slow down your mind and for goodness sake, stop engaging the national news. I stayed away from it last weekend and it amazed me how much my attitude had improved.

Mental Health Association Of The Southern Tier Peer Support Line

Finally, if you still need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to contact the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier at 47 Broad Avenue in Binghamton. Their Peer Support Warm Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (607) 240-7291.

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