There have been an increasing number of violent occurrences in the past couple of months. People shooting themselves and others, leaving many to wonder ‘why did they go to that extreme’?

These extreme acts of violence say that some people come to believe there is no other viable alternative. They have tried all the things they know to make their problems better without much, if any success. They may have even tried some solutions they would have never considered before their final decision to use violence.

Most of the problems that come up in our lives can be improved, if not eliminated pretty quickly by doing something; making some change or changes in our lives. These financial problems we’re experiencing are not so immediately or drastically impacted by these changes we make.

So what to do when facing problems that are going to have long term effects in life.

I have a couple of suggestions:

1. Talk – don’t stop talking –even when you know your family and friends are ‘sick of hearing it’ keep on talking. As Shrek said, ‘it’s better out than in’ – wise words.
2. Stay in touch with others – continue meeting with friends
3. What’s really important? I am reminded of people who survive natural disasters say things like; ‘we may have lost everything, but we survived’.
4. Focus on today, the now – not tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. You can influence today. What you do today, can influence tomorrow.
5. Focus on today, the now – not yesterday, last week, last month or last year. What’s done is done.
6. Laugh. Find things that are funny and laugh.
7. Cry. It’s ok to do this. Be careful that it is not the only thing you do.
8. Get out for walks or exercise. This uses excess energy and you’ll feel better.
9. Love. Spend time with loved ones to support and be supported.
10. Be grateful for what we have. We often spend so much time on what we don’t have that we ignore those things we have. Even the little things. I’m grateful for the coffee I’m drinking right now.
11. Call the companies you owe money to and speak with them about your difficulties. Most often they’ll work with you. They want their money.
12. Get counseling. It’s always helpful to spend time talking with someone who can be more objective and can offer suggestions.

We’re all in this together. Each of us has a stake in how this turns out.