Dr. Joe A.A. Arrindell Jr.
A very important question in this modern age and day.
Let me first begin by giving my condolences to the family and friends of officer of G’ Benjamin.
It is a dark moment for all if something like this happens, it always touches a nation, losing a person of the law, who gave his life while protecting the people around him.
Why did it happen? What can we do to make sure it does not happen again? Who is to blame for this?
Questions and more questions.
Answers are quite simple! It starts with each and every one of us.
There is no one to blame but ourselves. It sounds hard but it is the truth! Thou shalt not steal! I think that every child on the island has heard this before but sadly enough it is not implemented enough.
I remember my mother saying to us, if you ever go to jail for stealing, I will disown you.
Those words scared me all right! My brother and sisters also got the same warning.
It touched home all right!
Do not touch what is not yours. Work for what you want and the list goes on and I have learnt this and in the mean time I have also passed it on to people and friends around me.
We should all do the same but really implement it by passing it on to the younger generation. Please do not say: It’s not my child so I am not bothered.
If you are not bothered, how do you think that this kid will know any better? See where I am coming from. It starts with each and every one of us to make a change; a revolution.
A change in the community is what is needed to make the shift to changing in one’s beliefs. A change in one’s beliefs starts with you. There have been too many situations already where the community just pointed fingers at one another.
To create the shift, the awareness must start with each and every one of us. What is needed to make the shift? The answer would be: A very healthy mental attitude to one’s self and then to the community.
There are books you can read about this or even talk to a mental coach, personal trainer or even someone who already has obtained a certain level of a mental health attitude.
Mental health is very important. I cannot stress this enough! Everyone wants to have a good mental health, very few reach this level.
It takes a lot of work, dedication and above all commitment to get there. One of my favorite passages is by explorer W.H. Murray, who wrote the following during one of the first Himalayan expeditions:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance, which no man or woman could have dreamt would have come his or her way.
Start with being committed to something positive! For everyone this is a different thought, look in the mirror, say the words out loud, touch you heart when you say these words and finish off by touching your head and saying: I will. By saying the words of commitment whatever this may be for you, you are on your way to a better mental health.
It is not an easy task; for there will many distractions and some people around you may not be on the same level as you.
Do not let it get in your way of achieving a better mental health. To give an example: complaining. It is a thing we are all good at, some are better at it than others.
Even I have been guilty of this gross crime. What I do, when I catch myself complaining is that I use my finger like I am cutting across my throat. It sounds harsh but actually you are killing yourself.
You are letting negativity in your mind, something that is a huge killer to mental health. It is my way of saying stop! What reason do I have to complain?
Actually none, the fact that I am here today to be able to witness another day, is already a great gift and is something very precious. Not everyone that was there yesterday is here today!
Tomorrow is not promised to any of us!
Think a moment on these reflective words. I am sure you have lost someone close to you at a moment’s notice.
A tip I would suggest, try the 7 day no complain diet. For 7 days, observe yourself and how you think about things in the daily life happening to you. But more importantly how you react to them.
There will be times that you will complain about one thing or the other. It is important to realize what you are doing at that time. And every time you complain, stop and think why are you complaining and turn into something positive.
At the end of the day, if you can, write down how many times you complained and how many you were able to convert into happy thoughts. Think positive, think big.
Changes start with you. One last note, be grateful. Think grateful, feel grateful and above all live grateful. People please pass this on to everyone on the island and only then a change can come.
