Coping strategies

Dag Hammarskjöld, the 2nd Secretary-General of the United Nations, entered this reflection into his diary, later published in 1964 in the book Markings:

“The devils enter uninvited when the house stands empty.
For other kinds of guests, you have first to open the door.”
(Hammarskjöld, 2006)

When the mind is troubled, when it's filled with distressing thoughts and feelings, when the heart is lonely, hopeless, and aching, sprinkling some alcohol on it, or even soaking everything in its dulling bath, may seem so appealing. But, when alcohol is let into the house, it's a malicious intruder that soon may turn out to be a devil.

Alcohol is not a solution to any problem. Nor is it a life enhancer. Alcohol wreaks havoc on the brain, mind, and life. There are better strategies to work out problems and improve quality of life than sedating the brain with alcohol. There are better guests to open the door for. Joy, meaning, and hope are not found in any substance, but in the world beyond our selves. We need connection, community, and social support where we can be fully present and fully ourselves. We need to live life according to its God-given principles. And, when life in its thoughts, emotions, and actions become painful and unmanageable, we need and can seek treatment from well-trained professionals who have knowledge and skills on how to cope with challenges like ours.

"Life only demands from you the strength you possess.
Only one feat is possible – not to have run away."
(Hammarskjöld, 2006)

Don't run away with alcohol or anything else. Stand your ground. It's your life. Face it fully present in your mind, body, and soul.