President's Message - October 2023

As we come together in this season of Red Ribbon Week, we are reminded of the enduring commitment to a drug-free and healthy lifestyle for our youth and our communities. But just as we pledge to keep our bodies free from harm, we must also extend that commitment to our minds—our most precious assets.

The theme for this year’s Red Ribbon Week resonates deeply with our core beliefs: "Be Kind to Your Mind." It is an appeal, a gentle reminder, and a commitment all rolled into one. In an age dominated by screens, notifications, and endless streams of information, it is increasingly easy to get lost, overwhelmed, and even manipulated.

It is indeed easier said than done. Our world is increasingly connected, and while there are numerous advantages to this connectivity, it also brings with it the constant barrage of distractions. Every email notification, every "limited time offer", and every buzz of our phones might seem to demand our immediate attention. But let me share a piece of wisdom with you: just because it shows up in your email doesn’t mean you need to act.

It's important to remember that we live in an unprecedented age of technology where everyone is selling something, be it a product, a lifestyle, or even an ideology. If we’re not careful, our days, our priorities, and ultimately our lives can be hijacked by an endless stream of 
solicitations.

How then can we guard our minds and our time?

By determining our own values. By setting our own agendas each day. By being proactive instead of reactive. And most importantly, by communicating and solidifying our desired outcomes not just for ourselves, but for our families. Saying them out loud, writing them down, and discussing them with our loved ones give these goals weight and tangibility.

When we set clear boundaries and prioritize based on our values, we become less susceptible to the external noises that try to dictate our lives. We can then truly be kind to our minds, giving them the space to breathe, to think, and to flourish.

Red Ribbon Week is not just about saying no to drugs; it's about saying yes to a wholesome, balanced, and purposeful life. Let’s take this week to reflect, reset, and reaffirm our commitment to being kind to our minds and to guiding our families to do the same.

Thank you for being a part of our Informed Families community. Together, we can ensure that our minds and bodies remain sanctuaries of health, peace, and clarity in this digital age.

Warm regards,

Peggy B. Sapp
President, Informed Families