So I have this private counseling practice that I started 7 months ago (wow...it's been 7 months already!). Everything I've read about starting a business is loaded with stuff about blogging. Based on what I've read, my business is pretty much doomed to fail if I don't blog. So, I asked my wife, "Should I write a blog?" Her answer, "As long as it's interesting...something like that lady did in that movie...you know, Julie and Julia or whatever that was called." Apparently as long as I can compete with beef bourguignon then I'm good.
So, after much thought...starts and stops...pondering...and frankly procrastinating - I'm starting a blog! I think I wanted my blog to have purpose - true purpose - not just advertising, complaining, or voicing my opinion. And events in recent days have led me to believe there is much to be said that has purpose. Events in the last several days have confirmed that for me.
So in the news is another school shooting - this time in Florida. I'm not here to debate the various topics relating to that issue (at least not in this first installment). That tragic event, however, has spurred me on to realize a blog with purpose is needed. One that speaks truth. One that addresses mental health issues head on. A blog that initiates dialogue in a respectful, healthy manner. You see, I've noticed that tragedies like the school shooting tend to bring out the best and the worst in our society. As we grieve for the victims, we create more victims.
You see, we have created a society that is self-focused. Whether we like to admit it or not, we want what we want...when we want it...how we want it. And if you don't agree with what I want - you are simply intolerant. With this most recent tragedy, I read headlines, follow social media posts, and watch news clips where people cry, "It's a gun control issue!" Others say, "It's a mental health issue!" Still more say, "It's a people issue!" Then, of course, we have people that say, "It's all those things!"
They are all correct, yet they are all wrong. What we have, friends, is a selfishness problem (which at its core is a sin problem). As a licensed therapist in private practice, I see it every single day. We have created a culture in America where people feel they have a right to behave badly. And the consistent cry for "tolerance" has been the fuel that has kept that fire blazing. Why? Because no one can define "bad" - that's not your right. If it doesn't effect you, then you have no right to speak into that behavior. Until there is another school shooting - and suddenly lots of people have the right to speak up.
With all that said, that's why I'm going to write a blog. I hope at times it's funny. I hope at times it's poignant. I hope at times it cuts to the core on an issue with which you may be struggling. But I want to blog about important things - stuff that will enrich your life and make the world a better place...a less selfish place. I have no idea if I can compete with Julia Child and her beef bourguignon recipe. Probably not. But someone famous (I think) once said, "If you don't try, you will never fail. You will also never succeed." Actually I believe I said that - but it may be intellectual knowledge from somewhere else. So here's to blogging, growing, maturing - and becoming more others-centered. We are on our way!
Michael Bonner, MA, LPC
Riverstone Counseling
michael@riverstonecounselingtx.com
Riverstonecounselingtx.com