Let's Be Average

I know it’s not really acceptable to “just be average.” We hustle, grind, and overschedule in a mission to overachieve. 

We do it.
We push our kids to do it. 
It’s a competitive world.
Totally get it. 

I’m not here to judge. I’m very much part of the problem. Still, I’m here with a plea to consider an effort to “just be average.” At least in one area.

Marin County indexes 2X higher than the national and state averages for underage drug and alcohol use.

2X is not “kids being kids.”
2X is not “well, Covid.”
2X is not “I remember growing up; it’s always been like that.”

2X is a problem. 
Because this is a new 2X. 
This is the 2X of fentanyl (brightly colored at that). 
The 2X of handles, pods, shrooms, bars, and carts. (And still more.)

The good news is that we have all possible available resources to explain both the science of our 2X, and also how to curb it. Yet, we aren’t really doing anything about it. Not collectively. Not as an entire community.

So, what if we came together and tried to be average? Just average.

What if we put even a little of the energy we spend being the healthiest and wealthiest community into being safer? Not police report safer. I’m talking about mental wellness safer. Because 2X isn’t the result of feeling safe.

Would you commit to an hour learning how we all can help our community become average? Would you donate 1% of your self care to community care? Because that’s what this really is: Community Care. 

If there were an action plan presented to the whole community, would you be willing to make tiny behavior changes if it meant saving a life?

What if we could become average in five years?
What if we got competitive about it?
What if this was something to WIN?

I know. I know. This isn’t the fun stuff. But it’s a thing. Give it a think over the summer. We’ll be back with a plan. In the meantime…have a great summer. We can do this.

Let’s be average.

Todd Lieman, Parent Volunteer