I know we have a few cougars in the cloud that were suicides. (No, I am not making any announcement on anyone - I only know that a few in the cloud took their own lives and whenever there is a death, I am reminded of it.) Clearly, we understand that people around us could be in a world of hurt. In our world of anonymity and cyber bullying, we should all be more aware and make our best efforts to be kinder. For those of us that know others with mental illness, we recognize just how precarious life can be.

Sometimes what appears to be nasty and deserves a vicious reply, is nothing more than a demonstration of the internal pain that individual is feeling. This is true whether on cougarboard, or if it is that nasty person you know that no one likes. "That" person could be the fat, ugly, low confidence person you know, or the wealthy, highly successful CEO. Similar to a "functioning alcoholic", people can function with mental illness.

If there are those that "push your buttons" in a way that turns your good nature into rage on a regular basis, before you express a nasty retort, consider the ignore option. What you do could make a difference between life and death.

I am guilty. I need to do better.

"Everyday you meet someone that is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always."