Classroom 2016

     The year 2016 has been, well, a shit show for a great many people, including myself.  There are memes portraying the vice grip 2016 has on our collective, figurative balls... and they are popular because they are so relatable.  It's as if there is a cosmic force at work that decided that this year would be the one to REALLY test us, to throw a metaphorical flaming bag of poop at our front door... day after excruciating day.  I'm not attempting to figure out what this force is (yet), I'm far too busy processing and alternatively distracting myself from processing.  If my own personal drama were not compelling enough, we also have an orange lunatic running for president, clowns terrorizing schools, and that woman with ass implants being bound and gagged while the gang from Ocean's Eleven steals her jewels.  Seriously, what the fuck?

     However, this year of insanity, death and disbelief also has had moments of pure joy and life changing milestones for many.  You see, it's not ALL bad.  But it's become more and more difficult to allow our perception to focus on these "good" things while Hollywood's newest disaster movie plays out live before our eyes.

     Maybe that's why, despite being given the opportunity to do nothing all day but write (my dream), this is the first bit of writing I've done since May.  On the occasions that I am actually able to focus, I focus on the wrong things.  I focus on what is wrong.  I focus on what is lacking.

     Before I truly "dive in", I am breaking the ice with this simple request.  Let's all try to remember to focus on what is right and good and happy in our lives.  Let's put away our phones, turn off the news,  maybe go for a walk outside and enjoy the sweet, crisp autumn air.  Do not let what is broken, insane and sensational dictate to you what you should FEEL.  You are in charge.  You HAVE power.  Take it back... set your focus... smile at the flaming bag of poop at your door as you walk on by... just for a while.