Darren Allridge
2 min readOct 16, 2021

https://storage.googleapis.com/contentstudio-media-library-nearline/media_library/5f2f988580ab6d7da415d2f2/uncategorized/original/FQuGtK3aelPnQpSzbARPQ8EIDVSkMwG9CWiihVSM.mp4

When J.C. committed suicide, a friend who knew us both said, “He found a permanent solution for a temporary problem.” Some may be offended by that statement. I was when Jim first said it. What I’ve learned from personal experience is when I’m in that “dark place” nothing else matters. It seems as if it’ll never end. That this is the way it’s always been and things will never change. It’s a feeling of despair unlike any other.

One of my team members was in the same place. For the last two nights, she’s been in that “dark place.” Partly from the communication barrier, I didn’t fully comprehend her situation. But when she made it clear, I acted. I spoke with her. Veronica spoke with her. We did our absolute best to encourage her. To illuminate the darkness, to share some hope, I think we succeeded.

I’ve stated before and do so once again, “Be patient with those sharing their opinions and grateful for those sharing their experience.” Catchy phrases and societal platitudes sound good, but in practice have little depth. Some, if not all of the time, these sayings are only good after the fact, not during the incident.

Today, Saturday, May 1, 2021, I am grateful that:

Veronica was willing to assist someone in need. It’s way out of her comfort zone, but she stepped up and did what was needed. It was inspiring.

My team member is doing better this morning. She and Veronica will spend the day together. Hopefully, it’ll provide a bit more light in that darkness she’s currently facing.

My personal experience afforded me some insights into her current distress. Talking is one thing, but an actual attempt is something else. It’s a “red flag” and I’m so happy her attempt was unsuccessful.

Can your experience help others, even those you don’t know personally?

How can you share your experience?

How can you shine some light into the darkness of others?

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!

If you feel this will help you or someone you know, please share to your timeline.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Read my gratitude lists during “lockdown” in the Philippines as the Covid-19 pandemic grew
https://tinyurl.com/45z2a25p

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
#begreat #journey #begrateful #life #chronicle #corona #coronachronicles
#gratitude

Darren Allridge
Darren Allridge

Written by Darren Allridge

Author, editor, and business consultant. Mr. Allridge focuses on implementing systems to enhance his clients bottom line via process improvement.

No responses yet