Dear Friends

Not so long ago my children received a gift from their grandfather which contained a compass, flint, emergency blanket and a U.S Army survival Manual.

I started to read the manual this weekend and would like to share 2 quotes from it with you today:

“Man is a social animal.  This means we, as humans beings, enjoy the company of others.  Very few people want to be alone all the time!  

As you are aware, there is a distinct chance of isolation in a survival setting.  This is not bad.  Loneliness and boredom can bring to the surface qualities you thought only others had.  The extent of your imagination and creativity may surprise you.  When required to do so, you may discover some hidden talents and abilities.  Most of all, you may tap into a reservoir of inner strength and fortitude yo never knew you had.  Conversely, loneliness and boredom can be another source of depression.  As a soldier surviving alone, or with others, you  must find ways to keep your mind productively occupied.  Additionally, you must develop a degree of self-sufficiency.  You must have faith in your capability to ‘go it alone.'”

and

It would be a rare person indeed who would not get sad, at least momentarily, when faced with the privations of survival.  As this sadness deepens, we label the feeling “depression”.  Depression is closely linked with frustration and anger.  The frustrated person becomes more and more angry as he fails to reach his goals. If the anger does not help the person to succeed, then the frustration level goes even higher.  A destructive cycle between anger and frustration continues until the person becomes worn down-physically, emotionally, and mentally.  When a person reaches this point, he starts to give up, and his focus shifts from “What can I do” to “There is nothing I can do.”  Depression is an expression of hopeless, helpless feeling.  There is nothing wrong with being sad as you temporarily think about your loved ones and remember what life is like back in ‘civilization’ or ‘the world.’ Such thoughts, in fact, can give you the desire to try harder and live one more day.  On the other hand, if you allow yourself to sink into a depressed state, then it can sap all your energy and, more important, your will to survive.  It is imperative that each soldier resist succumbing to depression.”

I wish you all a positive, productive and anxiety free week ahead.

Keep well and stay safe.

xxx