The times we live in are far different then when I was a child in the 1950's.
We left doors unlocked, we had no fear of strangers, we knew everyone in our small town. When a person needed help there was usually someone to lend a hand.
Today we can not be so trusting and we need to remove our rose colored glasses. This brings me to my point in doing this blog.
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Our world changed forever since 911. We need to be more observant. We can not accept things as just consequences. A strange car pulls up in front of our home, we need to react to it, first by observing, perhaps calling a neighbor, or maybe the police.
That brings me to another point. Do we know who lives in our neighborhoods. Find out, as our world is constantly changing so are the occupants on our street. Get to know them. Talk to them. When I first moved here in the North Hills I did not know anyone. I was from the South Hills area and knew where I could go for assistance or help. Talking to my new neighbors gave me lots of information and at times of crisis a comfort and support, which became life savers.
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Now to address my main point, first responder. We assume it is the police, ems, doctors, etc. The reality is it could well be ourselves. We may very well be the first on the scene. Our reaction, behavior and attitude affects our own emotional and physical responses and that affects others.
Prepare yourself ahead of time. Any change in our routine affects us differently, something as simple as losing car keys can set off a chain of emotions, including panic. Remain calm, assure yourself its okay, I will be fine, explore options, try to remember where you had the keys last, call a friend for a ride. The most important point is to stay calm in control of your emotions. It will make it possible for you to think clearly as you make a plan to address the problem.
Next time I will share ideas on how and where you can learn skills to help you stay calm during an unusual event as "first responder.
Comments, ideas, suggestions, experiences, welcome