Getting Through Tough Times

There is no doubt about it, for many people, these are some rough times.  Between the general state of the economy, the unemployment rate, war, natural disasters and ‘life’ just happening on a day to day basis, sometimes we need a little help.  To me, there are a couple of very simple things that can help me, and I have seen them help many others through difficult times as well.  And neither of these things is very complicated, though one does take considerably more care and effort than the other.  What am I talking about?  Pets and writing.

Pets – I think this is kind of a no brainer.  It is amazing how much comfort an animal can provide in times of stress.  While there are numerous different kinds of pets people have and get comfort from, my personal experience is only with dogs and cats.  And while there is often an argument over which makes a better pet, a dog or a cat, to me it is a silly debate.  The bottom line is they both make excellent companions and it is up to the owner to figure out what works better for them and their lifestyle.  Undoubtedly, whether you get a cat, a dog or some other animal for a pet, they will be eternally grateful to you and will give you more love and affection than you can imagine.

Of course, this is all assuming you give it back to them in the form of taking good care of them.  There is nothing worse and more selfish than someone  getting a pet in a time of need, only to abandon them once they are ‘doing better’.  I hate the thought that there really are people like that out there…

The other, unrelated thing that can be therapeutic is simply writing.  Writing whatever comes to mind.  Don’t pre-judge what you’re going to write, and don’t share it with anyone (unless you really want to).  This will allow you to write ANYthing you want without concern for getting judged for it.  It is amazing how much you can get out of your system and down on paper (or the screen, as the case may be), if you just let yourself go.

I know, because I just lost a pet.  And being down to just one out of the two ‘helpers’, I lad that I at least still have the one to help me get past the loss of the other.  I hope these ideas may be able to help you in a time of need as well.