Choices

It's gut-wrenching. Today, I had to choose between going to court with a victim and her mother or staying in the office to help someone who phoned saying they wanted to come in and talk.

Either way, it's a bad decision.

Soon, it will be Christmas. Holiday music and decorations abound. Tis the season for goodness and family. But, it's also a time for stress and a constant push to overdo. Advertisements urge us to "get the latest before it's too late" or to "save more by shopping more".

This year, for whichever holiday you celebrate, give yourself breathing space. Allow yourself permission to say "No" to overdoing it. When tensions mount take a break. Walk away. Release the pressure by taking a walk or a jog. Do anything you need to do to be safe.

If you are a victim who needs help call 911. Get help. Let someone work with you to create a safety plan so this holiday season can be violence free. You deserve it and so does your family.