My heart still hangs heavily after Friday’s tragedy where 26 people, 20 of them just children aged 6-7 years old, died at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. There have been many shootings here in the states recently, though even one is obviously too many. However, this one hit me differently than the others, though they all bring sadness to my heart and make me question why.
The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has brought me to tears multiple times – when I heard it was at an elementary school, when I heard how many had died, when I saw the President tearing up with voice breaking while speaking about it, when the names and ages were released, and a few times in between. I keep wondering why someone – how someone – could do something like this, even though several years of my life have been spent trying to understand others with mental illness, and even once having my own life in jeopardy from someone with severe mental illness.
I’ll admit it. Friday and through much of the weekend I felt like I had lost faith in people as a whole – in humanity. I dedicated the rest of Friday to turning off the computer and instead appreciating what was near and dear to me – something that I will admit gets put off far too often behind work and play. Then thanks to a friend on Facebook, I stumbled upon this post from BuzzFeed about 26 Moments That Restored Our Faith In Humanity This Year. I cried heavily, again, while reading through the article, but this time they were happy tears as a reminder that even with all the tragic things that happen that we will never understand, there are also people out there making a positive difference.
So, while I still mourn the loss the nation suffered and still tear up and have my heart go out at the thought of all the parents and families of those who lost so many loved ones, especially this time of year, I sought out some form of motivation from it all and came across this quote that I felt fit the situation perfectly.
How do you keep hope alive while mourning and getting through tragedies?
About Money Savvy Michelle
I don’t blame you for looking at some positive things to help be able to see some hope. I often get that same feeling that we’re in some sort of horrible decline in this world.
Glad to know I’m not alone, Liz.
When things look so bleak, I think it is important to turn off media; FB, news, radios so you don’t keep getting bombarded with negative news of human kind and then think about all the amazing blessings me and my family have been blessed with. I take time to think about all the people who have impacted our lives in such a positive and meaningful way. It helps to restore my belief in human kind.
I agree, Amber. It’s hard to have any sort of media on when these things happen as it seems to be all they discuss.
Tragedies like this do make you realize that life is too short and to cherish what really matters – your family and friends. I love that quote and Buzzfeed article.
Yes, they do, Melissa. I find myself looking at the BuzzFeed article now when I need a pick-me-up or motivation!
I love the quote that is going around from mr rogers about looking for the helpers. As awful as these events are, the “helpers” that always pop up after this events show the true beauty of human nature.
I totally agree, Emily. That is one thing I wish the media would focus on more sometimes, instead of constantly rehashing the event itself.
I use tragedies like this to realize that life is TOO short, and to leave each and every day as the blessing that it is. We owe it to those little ones to not take it for granted! Pinned the quote.
So true, Ashley.