I'VE LOOKED AT LIFE FROM BOTH SIDES NOW
The question of how to respond to disturbing information has challenged me for many years. I consider myself generally hopeful and optimistic. When presented with sad news, I've often listened and quickly changed the subject or looked for the silver lining. When feelings are involved, I don’t identify them; I've been told by my family that I'm in denial. Rather than face the facts, feel the suffering, or sadness, or anger, or conflict, I want to move on right away. My approach starts with the rational side of events. I think, analyze, compare and contrast quickly rather than feel what’s happening in the present moment. For example, on January 6th, 2021, while watching Congress prepare to certify the 2020 Election , my initial reaction to protesters storming the Capitol was to disbelieve what I was watching on live T.V. Upon reflection, I understand that I was suppressing my anger and dismay by denying what I was observing in real time. Despite problems with this app