No escape from the noise in my head

I do not mean noise in the literal sense, but the type of noise where so much is happening at the same time in a single thought process it makes quiet time unsettling.

My daily thought process consists of asking myself a series of questions concerning my safety.

Did I lock the door when I came inside? Should I take a chance to go out at nights? Am I paying sufficient attention to my surroundings? Am I aware of what’s happening around me? Am I doing enough to keep my loved ones safe? Then there are the other social issues that consume my thoughts such as the heinous murders meted out to innocent, law-abiding citizens, the rapid increase of knowledgeable and qualified young citizens on the breadline. And, of course, how can we forget the blatant disrespect and lack of prudence by our politicians.

What is one to do when one cannot even seek refuge in their thoughts? Thankfully, my mother always told me, in times of despair, train your mind to see the good in everything.

Lately, I am finding it difficult to do so. I feel hopeless and vulnerable and I know many others feel the same way.

KRISTY JOSEPH Couva