Well, friends, we made it. The drama of last week is behind us. And now we’re here.
And here looks like . . . being stuck in that head space between a tense presidential election and the holidays looming large on our calendars. You might be tempted, like me, to jump from one kind of crazy to the next.
But before you do, let’s take a moment to breathe, shall we? A moment—regardless of how you’re feeling right now—to pause and consider a few simple truths.
After all, truth has the power to ground us when things around us seem unsteady.
1. Your world starts at home.
With previous years in mind, you might feel powerless. Maybe there are things you’d like to change—things that should change—but you can’t quite figure out how to make a difference on your own.
In 2020, a woman named Danielle Coke made waves on social media with her illustration on racism. She prompted people to recognize that until we fix the problems in our hearts and address them in our homes, nothing will change in the world.
She was right. And this truth, if we let it, can empower and inspire us.
You might not be the leader of the free world. But you are a leader in your home. What a great privilege and responsibility we all share—to open our hearts and minds to what the world needs from us, to have good and difficult conversations with our families, and to turn our discoveries into action.
2. You’re the only you.
Sensing some Mister Rogers’ vibes on this one? Good. That’s what we’re going for. You see, your unique being coupled with your time and placement here on planet Earth means you’re bound to fill some voids no one else can fill.
What are those voids? Only you know, really. Maybe you’re funny. (Me? I love to laugh—we should be pals!) Maybe you’re a parent, a spouse, a friend, a sibling, or a child of someone who finds your presence a total delight. Maybe you make the best pie this side of the Mississippi. (Truly, we should be friends!)
Of course, you don’t need special tricks or talents to add value. You being you is enough.
3. Nothing resets a bad day like . . .
. . . a good cup of coffee, a cry, a walk around the block, a chat with a friend, a long bath, a bar of dark chocolate, a full nights’ sleep, a well-timed meme, a living-room dance party, a clean sink, a dose of sunshine, a lingering hug, a snorty laugh, a dinner made by someone else, a kiss from your kid, a moving book, a nap, a task that requires your hands, a lit candle, a pet’s attention, a spray of fresh flowers, a pair of cozy socks, a clever text exchange, a peppy song, or a breath of fresh air.
Last week we picked our poison. This week, let’s choose the cure—temporary, though it may be.
4. Lists are the great equalizer.
When we’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s almost as if the to-dos of tomorrow and the wish-i-didn’t-dos of yesterday start bumping into each other in the brain. Everything instantly seems bigger and badder.
When you can, grab a pen and paper and jot it all down. Write out what needs to get done. Consider what you hope to make happen. Make a list of regrets if you must.
Chances are, these lists will run shorter and look a whole lot less scary on paper than they did in your mind. Progress! Then, you can work your way down the lists in an efficient and productive manner. As entrepreneur Jordan Ferney says, “Nothing will make you feel better except doing the work.”
As for your list of regrets? Make amends where you need to and then toss ’em.
5. God is for us.
No truth is truer than this. God is good. He loves us and He calls us His children. We can trust that He will care for us no matter what comes our way.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” —Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT).
Think on these truths as you go about your day today. Choose one or two you can latch onto when life feels shaky. And always always have a stash of dark chocolate at the ready.
Topics: Current Events, Featured, Mental Health, Self Care
Stephanie Thomas
Contributor
Stephanie writes about parenting, health and personal development. She loves to read—novels, memoirs, picture books and cookbooks. Sometimes she even puts those cookbooks to work in the kitchen. Stephanie lives in Nashville with her husband, Eric, and their two boys, Henry and Leo—the best outdoor-adventure crew she could imagine.
