Events of the past two weeks, the last two days really. Have certainly been “times that try men’s souls.” Shaken my foundation. The pace of change for me has never been this breathtaking. Not only am I not alone … all on earth are experiencing the same emotions, fueled by so much fear and anxiety.I want to share with you some of my own thoughts and feelings re how I’m personally dealing with these extraordinary challenges … these difficult times. I’ve coached others for years about their lives. Are you “a shoemaker with holes in your shoes? Find out.

• I’m trying understand more what makes me who I am. My commitment to my faith. Real or unreal. Things in life I love most, am most grateful for … the things that are nonnegotiable. Health, family, values. At his core … who is Bob Brickley? Really. Check in with yourself, Bob.

• I know the mind is a miracle. For creating positive, good thoughts? Others too that will be more negative … might even be destructive. I become what I think about. Grow weeds or flowers. The choice is mine. Ok, Bob … got it.

What is my self talk? (What I say when I talk to myself?) I create my own reality! Am I creating harmful “illusions?” … perceptions that aren’t real? If my mind is a muscle, how do I “exercise” it most healthily? I tell myself, “Things are never as good as you think they are; and never as bad as you think they are.

• Laughter … You gotta laugh to keep from cryin’ The best medicine of all. I’ve must seek out friends who make me laugh. Who I make laugh. Relieves stress. Give yourself a break from all the pressure. I’ve formed a comedic “Board of Clowns.” Four guys who drive me to tears. And me them. The best!

• Anger … fear and anger are emotions that are closely connected to one another. Fear is normally followed by anger. I have a propensity to get mad. So do others. My fear, frustration may at some point turn into anger. Be careful, Bob.

• Self Centeredness … there are so many who are hurting so much more than I am. I am not the center of the universe. God works in strange … and not in many strange ways. We drift. Focus on wrong things. Lies, unacceptable behaviors that we pass on changing. Cockiness, sloppiness … denial about the importance of values, faith.

• Small Gestures … opportunities abound to reach out and make another feel better. A son or daughter. A good friend facing challenge. Your spouse. See these … look for them as a day unfolds. Nothing grand. Just chances to throw a little love out there.

• Obsession with the Material … money … trying always being “prosperous.” My “stuff” matters … above all else. Usually a negative. If it’s all about “stuff.” If it’s always about me.

Younger generations have been coddled? Who have never seen crisis? … at least not one that has impacted them directly. They are in the midst of one now! A pandemic. This may be a world that needed an adjustment, a correction we all need from time to time to live our lives. This is an opportunity to stop, think and assess.
Bob.Sure this is and will be tough. But through self awareness, love of self, love of others … this will all be Ok. The pandemic will pass. Prayer, love, faith. Faith.

Stay the Course, Bob Brickley >>> you’re doin’ fine.