Summer is almost here…finally! It’s the favorite season for this Florida native because it is a time to rest, rejuvenate and enjoy the fruits of your labor. As individuals, we sure have labored; and, as a nation, we have shown our resiliency.

As government and health officials lift stay at home guidelines attempting to improve the economy, many people are still mistrusting about the “new rules”.

Everyone can experience anxiety and stress sometime in their life. Especially now with a pandemic on the world’s doorstep, tensions are brewing, horns are honking more, and general irritability is falling out from what used to be a calm existence.

Somedays I dread having to drive to the store, take my son to an appointment or pick up medication from the pharmacy. I used to love driving especially on my way home from work. There is a calmness that sets over me as I cross over the bridge to the beach. To me, beach life is laid back and “chill” but these days Gulf Boulevard has become a racetrack. There seems to be more aggression on the road, and in parking lots. Horns honking, people swearing, fights breaking out in parking lots. Even at places where you can go to relax and get a breath of fresh air.

What is a legend? It is usually someone known, especially in a unique field. Jack Martin, a 13 year- old teen who completed suicide in January 2020 was described by over 200 friends and classmates through letters as being a legend. He was the mediator between the underdog and the bully. He wanted to make everyone happy. He tried to de-escalate negative situations.

Now mind you, I am not a big environmentalist and I am ashamed to tell you I just recently starting recycling, but I find it amazing how much COVID-19 and Mother Nature seem to becoming a tale of two beginnings.

Right now, most of the world is experiencing anxiety. We have shared stress because all of us are under the cloud of uncertainty. And here's an issue to consider - the more you stress, the more vulnerable you can become to viruses because stress can weaken your immune system. But there are steps you can take to push back against the world’s anxiety.