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  • Beware of Atmos Energy scammers, spoofed websites

    According to Atmos Energy, a “search engine phishing” scheme has been revealed. When customers search for “Atmos” online, the online cybercriminals are using search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to place fake websites as the top search result. Company representatives indicated that telephone scams are also on the rise. “The most effective way to combat this recent increase in scam attempts is through education, awareness and extreme caution anytime someone contacts you about a utility bill payment,” said Bobby Morgan, Atmos Energy vice president of public affairs. “In addition to online and telephone scams, beware of impostors demanding payment at your door. Always ask for an employee’s identification badge which displays name, photograph, and Atmos Energy logo. Our employees will not collect payments in person. If you suspect an impostor, call our customer service number at 888.286.6700 to verify the employee’s identity and contact local authorities.” The energy company provides gas services to over 269,000 residents in Mississippi. If someone clicks on one of the “spoofed” scam websites, it could look very similar to a real Atmos Energy webpage. However, it will feature a fake customer service number and other false information about the company. If a customer receives a phone call from Atmos that seems suspect, know that Atmos Energy will never ask for payment using a prepaid debit card, gift card, cryptocurrency, or unauthorized third-party payment or mobile application. They will also never call before 7:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. Central Time. Customers should only pay their bill through a logged in online account or other authorized methods. If you have concerns regarding the legitimacy of a call, hang up and call Atmos Energy customer service at 888.286.6700. For more information on how to protect yourself from scammers, do the following: Visit the Atmos Energy website at atmosenergy.com/scams. Visit the Utilities United Against Scams website at www.utilitiesunited.org. Visit the Federal Trade Commission website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/ Follow Utilities United Against Scams on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation by using #StopScams.

  • MAKE FIREWORK SAFETY A PRIORITY THIS HOLIDAY

    The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) encourages firework safety this Independence Day whether at home or at a firework show. “Use common sense when shooting fireworks at home,” said State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “Never point fireworks at another person and dispose of fireworks in water to prevent fire.” You should also: • Observe local laws. o Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed. o Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. • Read and follow the directions on each firework. • Never point or throw fireworks at another person. • Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place. • Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. • Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready. • Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. • Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. • Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. • Never give fireworks to small children. • Never carry fireworks in your pocket. • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. The SFMO performs pyrotechnic inspections for shows performed on state-owned properties, like state parks. Pyrotechnics companies must apply for a permit for shows on state-owned property. Once received, the SFMO verifies all information pertaining to insurance, technicians, and local public safety information. Deputies must be on site for the firing of the display and clean up.

  • Fourth of July may be my favorite food holiday

    By Kara Kimbrough What’s not to love about the Fourth of July? It’s filled with patriotism, picnics, fireworks, family gatherings, watermelon (make that Smith County watermelons if you’re from south Mississippi), barbecues, homemade ice cream and much more. And there’s only one color scheme: red, white and blue. It’s the perfect low maintenance holiday. Think about it. Christmas is all over the place with its dizzying array of multi-colored themes and endless food choices. Thanksgiving is all about the turkey and getting the dressing “just right.” But July 4th can - and should be – simple. As long as there’s a flag flying somewhere on the premises and an assortment of grilled meats and appropriate sides are on the table, it’s the epitome of no fuss/no muss. I’ll admit I haven’t always adhered to the “simplicity is best” rule when planning my next patriotic themed tablescape or dessert. I’ve created centerpieces of gigantic Mason jars filled with sand from the Gulf of Mexico (Gulfport AND Destin beaches) to hold American flags and pinwheels; miniature Mason jars containing cupcake slices, whipped cream and berries; last year’s burger bar on a 2x4 plank and of course, my annual simple-but-elegant flag cake. This year’s Fourth of July meal will center around two racks of barbecued ribs grilled and sold by a local fire department. Proceeds will fund a scholarship for a firefighter who was also my friend. He was recently killed while crossing a busy highway to assist a wreck victim. If you’d like to know more about the fund, drop me an email and I’ll fil you in on this worthy cause. Other Fourth food will include grilled burgers with all the trimmings, baked beans, some type of cold side – either Cole slaw, potato or pasta salad- and an appetizer to stave off hunger pains while the burgers are grilling. Sliders are not what I’d call fancy or even new in most circles. But I’d never thought of placing cocktail sausages inside the top of slider buns, followed by toppings of favorite chopped vegetables and sauces. I did a test run and can attest, they’re as delicious as they are cute. Back by popular demand, I’m including the recipe for Patriotic Cupcakes in a Jar. Like charcuterie boards, the trend of using Mason jars as vessels for all manner of foods doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. Guests can take their jar home as a souvenir of Fourth of July ’23, especially if you take the time to write their name on the jar in gold or silver ink and tie a patriotic ribbon around the rim. Happy Fourth of July, everyone! Fourth of July Mini Dog Sliders 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup mild or medium salsa 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 24 Cocktail Smokies 12 King’s Hawaiian slider rolls Feta cheese Pickle relish Other favorite toppings Combine sour cream and salsa in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the Cocktail Smokies and cook until heated through, stirring, about 5-6 minutes. Slice vertically through each slider bun, about halfway through so it resembles a top-split hot dog bun, and place two Smokies lengthwise in each. Top with sauce, feta cheese and relish. Can also add other favorite toppings like mustard, chopped onions, etc. Patriotic Cupcakes in a Jar For the cupcakes: 1 box of your favorite cake flavor- I used Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme (you can make them from scratch, but because the cakes soak up icing and juice from the berries, the cakes are very moist) Makes 24-30 medium cupcakes Assortment of berries: sliced strawberries, blueberries, blackberries For the cream cheese frosting: 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 2 sticks butter, softened 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 cups sifted powdered sugar Prepare cupcake batter according to package directions. Spray cupcake tins with cooking spray and fill each indention ½ full with the batter. Bake according to directions, then once they are cool, slice each cupcake in half lengthwise (not from the top). When finished, you will have a stack of tops and a stack of bottoms. Place one cupcake bottom in a jar, then add icing to a piping bag or Ziploc bag with the tip cut off and add a layer of icing over the bottom cupcake. Add a sprinkle of berries to the icing, then place on top of the cupcake on the layer of frosting and berries. Gently flatten the top part of the cupcake inside the jar and top with another layer of icing. If there’s room, add a few more berries to the top. Cover with lids and decorate with stickers, ribbon or whatever you’d like. Supplies you will need: A dozen or more 8-ounce glass jars with lids and rings Pastry bag and decorative tips or large Ziploc bag Round stickers (many websites have downloadable links to jar stickers; you can also use large white address labels and cut then into circles, then decorate) Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com

  • Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Foundation Conservation Raffle

    In 2003, the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Foundation was established to support the MDWFP’s ongoing efforts to protect and conserve our fish and wildlife resources. The Foundation plays a crucial role in enhancing conservation efforts, expanding hunting and fishing opportunities, promoting shooting sports programs, and preserving our state's abundant natural resources. Today, we invite you to join us in supporting these efforts, by participating in the Foundation's Conservation Raffle. This exciting event provides you with a chance to win extraordinary prizes, while at the same time actively contributing to the conservation and enhancement of our State’s fish and wildlife resources. The funds raised through the raffle will directly benefit MDWFP's mission, to conserve Mississippi’s wildlife and fisheries resources, and enhance our state parks to provide quality outdoor recreational opportunities. Visit the raffle website today to explore the incredible prizes and join us in preserving Mississippi's natural resources and hunting heritage. By supporting the Foundation's Conservation Raffle, you become an integral part of securing a brighter future for generations to come. The raffle closes on July 30th! Website: https://mwfp.foundationraffle.com/

  • CHOOSE LIFE MISSISSIPPI RAISES $4 MILLION

    In the 20 years since their inception, Choose Life Mississippi has raised $4 million to protect unborn children. 166,510 car tags have been sold to people across the state who share the same dream. This achievement is monumental and one that Choose Life Mississippi does not take for granted. Every tag sold has been instrumental in the fight for unborn lives in Mississippi. June 24, 2023 marks the first year anniversary of the Dobbs Decision, a Mississippi case that overturned Roe vs. Wade. “Now that Mississippi has laws to protect our unborn babies and the last abortion clinic is finally closed, women need our help more than ever,” says President and Founder Terri Herring. “Pregnancy Resource Centers are a crucial resource for women facing unplanned pregnancies.” Choose Life Mississippi was launched in 2003. The goal was simple: to save the lives of unborn children by supporting their mothers during their pregnancies and beyond. Choose Life Mississippi achieves this goal through the sale of “Choose Life” tags. Funds provide vital resources to pregnancy centers across the state and provide the support that women need to become the mothers they hope to be. There are over 30 pregnancy care centers in the state of Mississippi. These centers meet the physical, emotional and medical needs of women in need by providing free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and compassionate, sound advice about pregnancy and parenting. They also provide adoption counseling. Supporting women has always been a goal central to Choose Life’s mission, but now more than ever, it is imperative that women are offered guidance, resources and quality care early in pregnancy. You can be a part of the solution by purchasing a “Choose Life” tag or the new “Adoption Tag” to provide funding for these centers. For more information go to ChooseLifeMS.org.

  • USPS Job Fair to Promote Carrier Positions

    The U.S. Postal Service, consistently named one of the most trusted brands in America, offers a generous salary and benefits, and job security. On Wednesday, June 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., job seekers will have an opportunity to meet with local postal leaders to learn about delivery jobs in Brandon, Canton, Clinton, Jackson, Madison, Reservoir, Ridgeland, and Vicksburg. The job fair will be at the Jackson Post Office at 401 E South Street, Jackson, MS 39201. “Job fairs help us build a more stable and empowered workforce,” said Alabama-Mississippi District Manager June Martindale. The U.S. Postal Service is looking for Rural Carrier Associates (RCAs) and Assistant Rural Carriers (ARCs) to deliver mail and packages. Each position pays $19.94 per hour. Below are job descriptions: Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) - An RCA will have a continuous, part-time job. This on-call position could be ideal if one is retired, self-employed, an at-home parent, an educator, night student, or if employed on an evening shift schedule. An RCA serves families and businesses in rural and suburban areas. This employee is responsible for the delivery and collection of mail, working part-time when regular carriers have scheduled days off or vacation days. An RCA also sells stamps, supplies, and money orders. An applicant must have a valid state driver's license and demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record. A personal vehicle may be required. Becoming an RCA is the first step to becoming a full-time, regular rural carrier with full benefits. Assistant Rural Carrier (ARC) - An ARC delivers packages, as needed, on Sunday and observed holidays, and on Saturday, may sort, deliver, and collect mail and packages along a designated rural route. This pre-career position requires the use of a personal vehicle. Career employees can earn premium long-term benefits that complement good pay. Some of the benefits include multiple health and life insurance choices, pension benefits and a Thrift Savings Plan like a 401(k), and vacation time and sick leave. Take the first step into your future by attending this job fair and/or learn about employment opportunities in your area at usps.com/careers.

  • FILING A CLAIM FOLLOWING SEVERE STORMS

    Damage caused by severe storms and tornadoes is covered under standard homeowners and business insurance policies, as well as the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. "Many people have seen damage and loss because of the severe storms that we've seen in the last week," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. "Let your insurance company know the extent of the damage. If you are not staying on the property, make sure your insurance representative knows where and how to contact you." Follow these steps when filing a claim: Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers. File your claim as soon as possible. Your policy may require that you make the notification within a certain time period. Be aware, if a widespread disaster has occurred, the company may set up special procedures. Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company. Ask what documents, forms and data you will need to file a claim. Keep a record of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors or relief agencies. If your home is damaged to the extent that you can't live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses. Take photographs/video of the damage. Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjustor arrives. This will speed up your claim process. Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Don't have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage. Maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect. Ask the adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer. Be patient and assist claims adjusters assigned to your case. Small losses may be settled quickly; extensive claims will take longer. Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.

  • CAPE at the MS Museum of Art Unveils 2022 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition

    Mississippi Museum of Art’s (MMA) Center for Art and Public Exchange (CAPE) unveiled the exhibition How We Get Over: We Grow On from 2023 national artists-in-residence Sarah Jené and Jasmine Williams. On display through September 3, 2023, We Grow On is an outdoor installation that reminds us we don’t get rid of grief: we grow through it. This exhibition invites audiences into MMA’s gardens to settle into difficult and variegated experiences and to find new experiences of softness, healing, and resilience. We Grow On uses naturally occurring plants, flowers, and other organic materials to create a meditative place to consider grief and how we continue to grow in the wake of those experiences. Included in the installation are a moss couch symbolizing a place of rest, respite, and recovery, a stained-glass installation, and signage with meditative quotes and works of art to aid in contemplation and remembrance. We Grow On is a place to express grief and help in the healing experience through the installation along with programming and events. “There is an overwhelming amount of grief today in the Black Community. Our goal is to connect and create spaces for Black people to feel seen and celebrated,” stated both artists Sarah Jené and Jasmine Williams. “We are using various art forms to enlighten and embrace the Jackson community and highlight Black Culture.” As part of this one-year residency program, the project will culminate in a printed guide composed and designed by Scalawag Magazine’s editorial team. The guide will include writing prompts for people designed to help process grief, embodiment exercises, meditative coloring pages, interviews with the curators, poetry, local grief resources and essays from the grief and love series that help people process personal collective grief. This guide will be available at Great Grief, an event at the Museum on the evening of August 23, local therapists’ offices, community practitioners, and businesses. Mississippi Museum of Art CAPE Director Monique Davis said, “Grief is vast, and we’ve all lost something. Everyone’s grief is valid, and We Grow On is a space to feel through it. This installation and publication offer an intentional and safe space to grow.” We Grow On is a free installation and is open to the public during daylight hours in the gardens of the Mississippi Museum of Art in Downtown Jackson. The components of Sarah Jené and Jasmine’s residency project are as follows: How We Get Over: We Grow On Installation Outdoor installation in MMA’s gardens on view through August 12, 2023. We Grow On uses nature as a backdrop to connect with the cycle of grief and healing. Along with pieces by Sarah Jené and Jasmine Williams, the installation will also include: stain glass installation by Adrienne Domnick, moss couch created in collaboration with Anna Burnett We Grow On Guide Created in partnership with Scalawag Magazine, this guide will help readers on their own grief journey. Authors include: Shani Peters Amanda Furdge Adrienne Domnick Da’Shawn Harrison Kami Fletcher Sarah Hairston Jasmine Williams Alysia Nicole Harris Scalawag’s Condolences Guide Local Grief Resources About the Artists Sarah Jené is an inspired multidisciplinary artist who uses visual art to highlight Black joy as resistance. She encapsulates the art of Blackness and the beauty of interpersonal relationships to reimagine and celebrate the Black experience. Sarah Jené does this through curated events and her art brand, Thee Black Card, digital and paper collage art. Whether it’s through an installation or conversation, her goal is to connect and create soft spaces for Black people to feel seen and celebrated. Sarah desires to use her various art-forms as a vehicle to enlighten and embrace her community by showcasing Black Culture. Jasmine Williams is a writer, creative producer, and curator whose passion is creating programming and digital media to highlight the Southern Black experience. Using art as a tool to connect communities and share stories, her goal is to inspire everyday folks to see the art in their existence. Jasmine is the creator of ‘Sipp Talk Media, a digital platform that uses storytelling to shift the narrative of Mississippi, by centering Black experiences and culture. Exploring themes of language, food, history, art, and lifestyle, Jasmine is committed to the visibility of Black Southern stories and our creative legacy.

  • “ATTACK-MODE ANGRY MALE”

    My husband was walking recently on a sidewalk near our home, when he saw a male who was definitely not in good humor, coming toward him. The dude was quite a bit smaller in size, weighed a lot less, and would be no match if they were to get into a physical fight. But his threatening demeanor and the anger spewing from his mouth let Andy know that a friendly conversation wasn’t on his mind. Puzzled, and wondering what his problem was, Andy just kept walking toward him. Which seemed to that young male even more hostile. Then Andy noticed that behind him, over to the side in the grass, was a young female. She was sitting down, obviously protecting her newborn little ones. Then it clicked. That aggressive male was a daddy in attack mode, ready to threaten, bully, and do whatever it took to protect his wife and family. That gander was doing what his God-given daddy instincts told him to do. Protect, provide, and defend his wife and kids at all costs. He was not taught by some other goose to do this. It was just him, acting out on his pure God-instilled instinct. The next day we walked that same sidewalk. And we saw that little family out for a walk. Mr. Daddy Gander was out in front, strutting confidently and protectively a few yards in front of her and the kids. Mamma Goose was waddling toward the little pond, the six little babies running behind her. We stood and watched as she led them into the water, teaching them to swim. The entire time, that daddy stood at the edge of the pond warily watching us. We decided to take a curious step closer, just to see what he would do. He immediately came at us, hissing and threatening with every step. So. Here’s my question. If the bird species will obey that instinctive male leading, to be present in the life of their family and protect and defend against all threats, what has happened to our human species? Why do we have so many husbands and daddies who are way too willing to cut and run when the going gets tough? Or he sees another cute female that has attracted his attention. According to the Bible, God has directed every human male to stay involved with his family. To provide, protect and defend them at any cost. No matter the size of the threat and problem. A man who seeks his own comfort above all else is flaunting his rebellion in the face of his Creator. He was intended to be the head provider and defender of his family and home. To be a role model for his children to follow. That gander on the lookout? THAT was a true daddy and spouse. A lot of our human dads and husbands? Not so much. In my humble opinion, they could learn a lot from that gander.

  • Mississippi Blood Services Issues Emergency Plea for Blood Donors, O Negative Supply Dangerously Low

    Mississippi Blood Services (MBS) has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations, pleading with Mississippians to donate. MBS has seen a drastic drop in scheduled appointments and the blood center anticipates the available inventory of blood to be at less than a one-day supply for type O negative within the coming days. MBS strives for at least a three-day supply of blood, so it can be ready to serve all patients, even during unexpected events. While all blood types are needed, Type O Negative blood, used to treat trauma patients in emergencies, is the most at risk. Only about 7% of donors have Type O Negative blood, making it extremely important for those individuals to donate. MBS is urgently seeking donors for more than 200 open appointments available at community blood drives and the Flowood, Cleveland and Oxford Center this week. “Summer is a crucial time for blood donation. With more people traveling and getting together, there is more opportunity for accidents and the subsequent need for blood,” said Christopher Swafford, President and CEO of MBS. “Type O blood donors are most needed, as the supply of O-negative blood is dangerously low.” For those who do not know their specific blood type, the best way to find out is by signing up to donate blood. Donors can schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 601-368-2673 or visit MBS online at msblood.com. How is blood used? Trauma Patients In the U.S., hemorrhage is the most common cause of death within the first hour of arrival to a trauma center. More than 80 percent of deaths in the operating room and nearly 50 percent of deaths in the first 24 hours after injury are due to severe blood loss. Three percent of civilian trauma patients will receive a massive transfusion and these patients consume 70 percent of all blood transfused at a trauma center. Gunshot victims are approximately five times more likely to require blood transfusions, they require 10 times more blood units and are 14 times more likely to die than people seriously injured by motor vehicles, non-gun assaults, falls, or stabs. Individuals Going Through Cancer Treatments More than a quarter of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer. More than 1.9 million people are diagnosed with a new cancer each year and many of them will need blood during their chemotherapy treatment. Maternity and Pediatric Patients Transfusions are needed in the U.S. in 1 out of every 83 deliveries. Pediatric patients in the U.S. used 652,000 blood components. MBS has special hours this weekend at the Flowood (Sun. June 25th from 10:30am – 2:30pm) and Cleveland Center (Sat. June 24th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm) to provide more flexibility for donors. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Mississippi Blood Services – Flowood 115 Tree Street Flowood, MS 39232 Hours: Mon., Tues. & Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wed. & Thurs. 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sun. Appointment Only Mississippi Blood Services – Oxford 2627 West Oxford Loop #C Oxford, MS 38655 Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mississippi Blood Services – Cleveland 609 N. Davis, Suite 101B Cleveland, MS 38732 Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri. – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thurs. – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. One donation of blood can save up to three lives, and anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Parental consent is required for donors age 16 to donate blood. Donating blood takes about an hour. To learn more, visit msblood.com.Please join us on Saturday, July 8, 2023, for the 10th annual Jimmy Ray Lewis Sr. Walk-A-Thon in Bolton, MS. The event will be held at the Jimmy Ray Lewis Sr. Park Plaza from 6:45 AM to 9:00 AM. There will be refreshments, health awareness presentations and free blood pressure screenings. This is sponsored by the Class of 1975 Hinds A.H.S. in Utica, MS and is free to the public.

  • The 10th Annual Jimmy Ray Lewis Sr. Walk-A-Thon To Be Held in Bolton, MS

    Please join us on Saturday, July 8, 2023, for the 10th annual Jimmy Ray Lewis Sr. Walk-A-Thon in Bolton, MS. The event will be held at the Jimmy Ray Lewis Sr. Park Plaza from 6:45 AM to 9:00 AM. There will be refreshments, health awareness presentations and free blood pressure screenings. This is sponsored by the Class of 1975 Hinds A.H.S. in Utica, MS and is free to the public.

  • “WANT MORE ENERGY? GET ANGRY”

    Listless, undriven? Feel like you need a motivation just to get out of bed or roll off your couch? One sure-fire way to feel a spark of enthusiasm and vinegar that courses through your mind and body is to feel abrupt uncontrolled anger. Suddenly your body comes alive, with each nerve ending standing up and saluting everything in your path. Out of nowhere, your energy level explodes as if you had swallowed five monster energy drinks at once. Your brain begins firing on all cylinders, and your mouth obligingly opens wide to deliver exploding bombs of fury that are guaranteed to singe the hair off of a gorilla. The down-side of all this? The shot of adrenaline that created the explosion of “That’s not right, say something now!” eventually wears off. Then you have to deal with the aftermath. And that’s not pretty most of the time. It’s not uncommon for people to experience a physical let-down, as if a balloon suddenly was pricked with holes and lost all its air. “I don’t know why, but I am so exhausted!” And unfortunately, that loss of energy to do physical things affects the other areas of their life. Kids hungry? “Just go get a bowl of cold cereal, honey.” The boss at your job needing you to go the extra mile at work this evening? “I am so tempted to blow it all off and take a sick day instead.” Housecleaning that you promised yourself you would get done that day? “Who am I kidding? I couldn’t care less if all the cockroaches within a thirty-mile radius decide to take up residence with me.” And then there is emotional downside of an anger explosion. Guilt for losing control of your temper…again. Frustration, if you didn’t get the perfect results you were wanting. Feelings of helplessness, if your delivery of verbal cannonballs causes things in the situation to get even worse. Alienation, if the recipient of your ammo decides that knuckling under and going along with you just isn’t in the plan. And if all this happens, then you run the risk of a “Free Three-For-One Special, But Could Cost You Everything” in your life – high blood pressure, a vague or not-so-vague sense of anxiety, and depression that overlays everything you do. Eventually leading you to ill-health sometime in the future. ‘Tain’t worth it. Hours of exquisite energy and drive, but resulting in years of physical and emotional problems just isn’t a good trade-off. Better solution? Do the hard work. Find the reasons inside yourself that causes you to react so violently and so self-abusively. Then go a step further, and begin to discover ways to resolve all those triggers in your life. Learn the value of deep breathing and attempting to see the other side of the pancake, no matter how thin it is. Then you can hopefully have discussions instead of explosions. Now…if only I could remember to take my own advice.

The Bolton News  105 E. Main Street   Clinton MS 39056   601.594.2250

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