When commentators on TV or people in your community talk about the war in Iraq, Dr. Robin says chances are, they bring up the fact that there are young soldiers serving and sacrificing in the war zone. While it's true that many young men and women—some still teenagers—are serving in Iraq, Dr. Robin says there are middle-aged people and senior citizens there, too. "What about the people who are 30-something, 40-something, 50-something [and] 60-something who are leading parts of the war, who are actually in active combat, who right now are at risk? They are at danger [too]," she says.
Instead of focusing only on the youth who are serving in Iraq, Dr. Robin says you should keep the service men and women of all ages at the forefront of your mind. "Expand the picture of exactly who it is we're envisioning is over there fighting this war. It is a little bit of everybody—every age, every color, every gender," she says. "I want you to expand your heart, expand your compassion … and make sure that we care about everyone who is at danger and at risk."
Printed from Oprah.com on Wednesday, June 19, 2013
