Current Events
Written by Jennifer Cooper, MS Psychology, C4 Foundation’s Director of Programs
I feel an overwhelming need to be candid. When I sat down to write this month’s entry for the newsletter, I was very conflicted. Lately, under the constant barrage of news coming in from Afghanistan, I have felt a flood of emotions. It is difficult in these times to take a stance on a subject that may be deemed controversial without bracing for some amount of backlash. But as a military spouse of more than two decades, I am angered by what has transpired. After 9/11, I watched our soldiers work tirelessly to release the people of Afghanistan from what can only be described as tyranny and it feels like great effort, blood, sweat, and tears, are all for naught. As a friend of many heroes that have given their lives, I am heartbroken. I can only imagine how the families of the fallen are feeling right now, and I know that this is a sentiment shared by most in the SEAL Community. As a human being, I am frightened for the people of Afghanistan who have already endured so much and for the Americans who are struggling to return home. Despite these feelings, I sat behind my computer trying to write something meaningful and I was suddenly reminded of something that the influential philosopher and psychologist William James wrote- “The most powerful weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” We can train ourselves to see the good in this day and in this moment, even in tumultuous times. Just as Dr. Glenn Fox so articulately wrote above, I will turn my attention to those things that are within my grasp.
In past articles we have outlined the importance of demonstrating gratitude, exhibiting optimism, and more recently, the building of resiliency. A very important part of mastering these skills is developing the ability to turn your mental focus and attention to things that you can have a positive impact on while acknowledging that there will still be difficult times that can elicit negative emotions. Here at the C4 Foundation we will continue to care for Naval Special Warfare Operators and provide a space for their growth and connection. We will continue to help our SEAL community develop the skills to persevere under considerable stress and tragic circumstances with the cultivation of a thankful and optimistic mindset through our F.R.O.G Program. And we will continue to provide a sanctuary to our warfighters when they return home from dark places.
Written by Jennifer Cooper, MS Psychology, C4 Foundation’s Director of Programs
Share this story