It’s back! And just when we need it most! A weekly blog from DBM co-owner, Paul Phillips! Take the time to read, it’s worth it 💯!

Before greatness happens...sometimes everything must fall apart. We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned and start living the one we have been given. There is this microscopic virus out there targeting human beings causing schools and businesses to shut down. Grocery store shelves are empty, hospitals are overwhelmed and unable to meet the needs of the American public. Furthermore, social gatherings are limited to ten people resulting in cancellations of things such as sports, concerts, festivals, weddings, graduations and vacations. Everything seems to be on hold and up in the air. When will things get back to normal? It’s normal to feel anxious or depressed as it seems that we are just stuck inside our homes alone with no hope and nothing to do. Is this real life or the plot of an apocalyptic movie? This is the ultimate test of emotional strength and resilience. Remember, health is not only defined by the physical. It is also defined by our mental wellness. In addition, wealth is not only defined monetarily. It too is also defined by our mental state. We’ve all heard the saying that money can’t buy happiness. There has never been a more apparent time to prove this fact to be true. In these times, you may have all the money in the world, the car of your dreams and a huge mansion but what does that really mean? Sure, there may be comfort in the fact that you don’t need to worry about money right now, but what are you doing with that fancy car and that big mansion? Where are you going to drive to? How many rooms and bathrooms can you walk around to everyday? The reality is that without friends, family and general happiness within yourself, you have nothing. What if you weren’t successful and didn’t have all the luxuries in life...would you still be happy? How about if you didn’t have fame, promotions, raises, awards, power or accolades? Some of you may say yes I would still be happy but in reality, I bet that most would say no. How much importance does all that stuff have right now? The planning and saving for later? What if there is no later? The fact is that many people are defined by their status and don’t know how to function without it. Must I bring up Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington again? It’s imperative for us to remember that there are people who have things much worse in order to truly appreciate what we actually have. With people losing jobs and having financial difficulties, some are finding it hard to pay rents, mortgages or provide for their families. Let’s also not forget about those who are actually sick with the Coronavirus! These people are terrified while living in hospitals or make-shift hospital tents while being tended to by nurses in hazmat suits. Their families are denied entry and are left at home praying that their loved ones will make it out alive. With hospitals enforcing no visitor policies, people are left to die alone with no last goodbyes unless it is by virtual means. This is just heartbreaking and devastating for us all. However, amongst all the pain and chaos, there is a silver lining. You are not alone and hope is not canceled! We are all united. We are literally all in this together. This virus knows no status, no religion, no political stance or ethnicity. With this, we are all equal. We are all just fragile and mortal little creatures. The entire world is working together to help each other in an effort to fix this mess. This virus will not be the end of mankind. Human beings are resilient and what doesn’t kill us will only make us stronger. Hopefully, what will die out is an old selfish form of society. Maybe we will come out better than before. Maybe we learn to appreciate the little things in life and learn to feel true patience, kindness, compassion and love. These are qualities that will help us, and the people around us, to move through all of this smoothly. These are also qualities that we can extend beyond this particular stretch of time. Continuing these practices will make our world and society much better as a whole. Our social contact may be limited, but remember that social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. This is already apparent in our local communities with people reaching out to one another just to check in or making themselves available to lend a hand in picking up groceries, running errands, doing chores or simply lending an ear. Helping others is the best way to release stress and anxiety of your own. People are going live on social media and performing or simply talking with others. Families are coming together like never before and spending quality time together. All our world’s leaders are working as one for once and focusing on one thing...saving us all. People are saying hello and thank you more than ever. Making a difference no matter how big or small, is very rewarding. It’s time we start living and not living just to die. Make the most of this time. Take a break from the rat race that is society and find something authentic, true and appealing within yourself. Maybe you’ve been putting something off. Learn a new skill or start a new project at home. Keep your mind activated but limit your intake of news and your time on social media. This only causes more fear which leads to anxiety and panic. Remember that an epidemic plus panic equals a pandemic. Stay informed as that is important, but don’t dwell on the negative. Live, love, laugh and be creative. Laughter is the best medicine and imagine all the creativity that will emerge during this time of quarantine? Imagine the art, the songs, the writing, the stories and the incredible ingenuity that will be born. Yes times are tough, but life is not over. This is the only time in our lives where we have been given permission to just stay home and take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Maybe this is just what we needed to realize what is really important. Maybe we’ll really start thinking about the things we buy and do. Do we truly need these things or do we just want them? I’m not saying to not enjoy some luxuries in life to reward yourself for all your hard work and effort. I just hope that we can learn to appreciate these luxuries for just that...a luxury. Not everyone has those and many of those are just as happy as those who do. As I said before...without them, it all comes down to being happy with just yourself and being surrounded by family and friends who genuinely care and love you. Here at Demons Behind Me, our message has always been the same. You are not alone. No matter what you are going through, there is someone else who knows exactly how you feel. This has never been more true than now as we are all facing the same harsh reality. Stay safe and take care of each other. “We” are all “We” have and “We” are all in this together. There is still a whole world outside our walls and that isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s waiting on us.

~Paul Phillips