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THERE’S AN OLD SAYING: “Change is our only constant.” In the early twenty-first century, it might be wise to add, “and anxiety.” We live in unsettled times. The sheer number of people struggling with some form of anxiety is staggering.
Anxiety runs a wide and thorough gamut, anywhere from mild social uneasiness to full-blown panic attacks.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I’ve experienced only a few panic attacks. They were terrifying. I had no idea what was happening to me. At one point I thought I might be dying (which only made the attack worse, for all the obvious and ironic reasons).
I’ve since discovered that breathing exercises and practicing mindfulness are powerful tools.
My heart goes out to anyone living with chronic anxiety. You conquer hidden adversity every day, and I salute you.
Two people close to me have grappled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I’ve witnessed—up close—their remarkable and arduous road to recovery. They were the inspiration for the characters of Amos Morgan and Aubrey Carter.
Amos and Aubrey’s struggle against the Hoarders and Trackers—and, ultimately, the Givers—is exacerbated by their inner demons. As the heroes in the Trilogy, they’re forced to dig deep within themselves. But the larger theme in Tracker is the power of belonging.
Amos and Aubrey’s greatest strength and resource is their community: the Runners. It’s hard to imagine what their lives would be like without Garr, Sheila, Don, Doc Simon, and Jane “Snake Lady” Avery.
We live in unsettled times. Whoever your Runners are, stay close. There’s power in community.
Drive friendly,
Deven