During these challenging times, the difference between taking life-threatening risks and doing what is safe and healthy begins with you. It is the individual choices and decisions an individual makes that not only will impact their life, but also the lives of others. Your actions will determine what you will experience now and can sometimes influence what you might experience in the future.  

Though anxiety and frustration seem to linger longer than ever before, there is one thing we can still control and manage, which is ourselves. Below are four ways to take control of and manage your actions during unpredictable situations. Implementing these actions will help you create and maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle and environment.

1. Take responsibility for your actions. Choose to only participate in activities that will create and maintain a safe, and physical, mental, and emotionally healthy environment.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Maintain a safe distance from people and things that might put you in harm’s way or might be detrimental to your health and well-being.
3. Be rational. Apply critical thinking to your decision making. Refrain from making major decisions based on your emotions. Before you initiate any major actions, stop, think, evaluate your choices, options, and possible results or consequences before moving forward or taking the next step.
4. Create a roadmap. Create a plan and path that will lead you to stay self-aware, focused, calm, disciplined, and committed to living a lifestyle that is safe and healthy. 

Remember, the difference begins with You!  

SOAR!

-Derius D. Swinton, M.S.W.
The SOAR Group

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