If you are depressed, do not take psych drugs, and since you likely won’t go back and read that statement again, allow me to reiterate. Please beware of the psychiatric scams out there to convince people that there is something wrong with them. All problems can be corrected by use of healthy alternatives. If you are taking these drugs, I urge you to wean yourself off of them as soon as possible.

Remember the Columbine Massacre? One of the two boys who created the blood bath was on anti-depressants. The drugs were supposed to make him feel better—not more hostile.

Don’t take my word for it. Look on the back of most of the popular pills. There are now black box warnings that state that this drug could lead to sadness and depression.

I realize that this is a progressive idea, especially during a time when psychiatric drugs are rampant, but think about it. Drugs suppress symptoms, but they do not create balance in the body or mind. Even if you are in favor of anti-depressants, surely you’ve observed that psych drugs don’t solve the actual problem; they simply act as a Band-Aid solution. They cover up the problem and create more. A drug is a drug. Whether you get it from your street dealer or your licensed professional, drugs are harmful. And being on any type of drugs makes it much more difficult to create miracles, large or small.

Your initial response to your rough life may be like mine— panic, grieving, and crying. I was the victim, bemoaning my losses to anyone who would listen. Following that path led me to depression, further loss, destitution, and near suicide. While you may need to experience those feelings for a short period of time, at some point, you must pick yourself up, brush off the excuses, and get on with life.

For those of you undergoing personal crisis, I lovingly guide you to look at the larger picture. Should you decide to follow this program, I can promise that the higher path you take will resolve the challenges. This is my wish for you: that you pick yourself up by your bootstraps and get on with your life. Turn your troubles into a wealth of opportunities by changing your attitude and building a new life.

It’s all well and good for me to suggest you step outside yourself and look at the big picture. But when you are desperate, hungry, suicidal, and abused, you may not feel ready to hear what I’m saying. Your usual mode of expression might manifest in anxiety, worry, anger, depression, or illness. Faced with survival issues and loss, you could be experiencing a great deal of fear right now. If your self-confidence wavers because of tragic events, read on. If your life has been sent into a tailspin, stay with me. If you have any problems at all, large or small, this book is for you.

Inside every crisis is a potential bud of self-growth and change. As my nose-dive was happening, I heard a tiny voice that said, “You will lose it all, but you will rebuild and have more than you dreamed possible.” That voice resides in you as well. Listen carefully. Although it may be muffled and hard to hear at times, it’s there nonetheless. The same can be true for you if you allow good things into your life.