I’m not gonna lie, last week was a rough one for me. As I struggled to hold onto hope.
It seemed like everywhere I turned, something new was happening in the world that made my heart ache.
As I sat glued to the news, watching one heartbreaking story after another, I felt overwhelmingly sad and powerless.
After several days of feeling this way though, I realized it wasn’t serving me. Or anyone else.
I thought about my recent blog on the power of choice.
And realized I was being called to make another important choice.
To either stay stuck in my fear.
Or find a way to move through it.
Towards more joy again.
But first I had to ask myself this big question (that you may have been asking yourself, too)…
With so much going on in the world, is it ok to be happy?
My answer?
A resounding yes!
Because I believe that choosing to show up for myself, my family and friends, and for women like you, helps to make the world a better place.
That we all need to continue sharing our gifts.
To spread our joy, our love, our compassion.
So we can continue to lift one another up.
The world needs us to share our light, not hide in the dark.
“Even in the face of everything happening in the world, it’s ok to flourish…in fact, it’s more important now than ever. When you flourish, so do the people around you, and that has a ripple effect that extends out into the world.” ~ Nancy Levin, Author
So if you’ve been feeling anxious about the state of the world, or anything else in your life, I get it.
Here are 6 ways to help you hold onto hope. And reclaim your power…
1) Protect your inner peace:
As a friend recently said: “empathic women are like sponges. We soak up the world’s pain.”
Which reminded me that I didn’t need to soak up any more of it.
So I turned off the news. And haven’t turned it back on since.
While I realize that turning off the news may not be your thing, I do encourage you to watch less of it.
You might be surprised at how much better you feel when you do.
In addition, I encourage you to limit your time with people who trigger your fear or anxiety, or drain your energy in any way.
Setting healthy boundaries doesn’t make you an uncaring person.
It simply means you value your own peace, too.
2) Do some EFT tapping:
As a highly sensitive person (HSP), I’ve been doing Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping) for years. It’s a simple, effective method for calming your nervous system and regulating your emotions.
In the midst of trying to feel better, I came across a free meditation from The Tapping Solution — and took it as a sign from the Universe. I started tapping and within minutes felt calmer.
If you’re curious to learn more about tapping, visit The Tapping Solution’s website for their free resources and an easy how-to video.
3) Connect with Mother Nature:
Last week I spent an afternoon by the sea.
I watched seals play, seagulls hunt for food and eagles soar.
I witnessed a beautiful rainbow, the sun steaming through the clouds, and a heart-shaped piece of blue sky magically appear above me.
It wasn’t long before I felt my sense of hope and faith returning.
So if you can, get outside.
And watch as nature reminds you to live in the moment.
Be grateful for all that is.
And to always hold onto hope.
4) Watch/read/listen to something inspiring:
I currently have a song on repeat: “Til You Can’t” by country singer Cody Johnson. His lyrics “if you’ve got a chance, take it…if you’ve got a dream, chase it” reminds me to live life to the fullest! Right here. Right now.
I also just listened to an inspiring Sounds True podcast: “Our Evolutionary Leap” with Lynn Twist. In it she talks about “creating a world that works for everyone.” That interview shifted me out of “What’s wrong the world?” into “We’re part of something so much bigger.”
And I’ll be honest…every night I wind down with an episode (or two) of Schitt’s Creek. Because no matter how heavy life feels, David Rose’s dramatic eye rolls never fail to make me laugh out loud. Somehow his blend of sarcasm and heart always snaps me out of a funk.
Take it from me, all these little hits of joy and inspiration help.
So watch, read, or listen to something — anything — that makes you smile, laugh, or dance.
Because yes, life is messy. But there’s always something good in it…if you look for it.
5) Practice loving-kindness:
Years ago, while dealing with a difficult in-law (who lived miles away but still wreaked havoc on my life), I came across the loving-kindness prayer.
It goes like this:
May you be happy. May you be safe, May you be at peace. May you (fill in the blank with whatever words work for you).
For weeks I repeated this prayer quietly to myself (and to my in-law) and watched as my anger softened and our relationship improved.
Years later I used it while going through another difficult time. To send loving thoughts to myself and others. And it shifted the energy between us.
I’m using it a lot right now.
For the world. For all of us.
Never underestimate the power of prayer (in whatever form you choose) to bring positive energy to you and others.
Here’s a link to a guided loving-kindness meditation by The Mindful Movement, if you’d like to check it out.
6) Ask for help:
In the midst of my storm last week I spoke to several good friends who listened to me and validated my feelings.
Which helped me feel calmer and more grounded, and got me back on track.
So if you’re feeling stuck, sad or hopeless, reach out to someone safe…
A compassionate friend, family member, therapist or coach like me.
Cuz everyone needs help at times.
And you’re not alone.
We’re all in this together.
So don’t give up.
Hold onto hope.
And keep looking for the good in the world — because I promise you, it’s still there. 💖
Kerry xo
P.S. If your heart feels heavy and you’re trying to hold onto hope, my free guide 10 Simple Ways to Be Kinder to Yourself can help. It’s full of gentle ways to soothe your spirit, ease self-criticism, and reconnect with the simple joys that lift you back up. Get your free copy here.