Breaking News

Living in a world of existential despair is difficult. The undertow is often overwhelming. I have taken stock of how I spend my time and energy. Last night, I made myself a promise, I will no longer spend hours doom scrolling or listening to the news, which seems to only cover the most horrible and worst things that are happening, with minute by minute reporting. It is true there are holes in the fabric of our society, big structural and deep wounds, injustices, and tremendous cruelty. It is disheartening because so much is out of our reach and a bit of an abstraction, yet social and other media bring it to us on a silver platter hourly. 

But I believe the antidote to this despair is focusing on beauty, joy, and things and people close to home. Finding my tribe and being a loving part of it. Not that I won’t continue to resist, make calls, sign petitions, and show up when I can, and be as truly kind as I can be. I can’t control those horrid things that are happening in an unhealthy world. No, I am not giving but purging the micro toxins that have slowly crept into my being. Because Earth is currently not a peaceful or kind place, and this is the only planet I know, I will make the most of my life here. I can control the choices that I make.

Each morning, rather than jumping into news of any kind with my coffee, I am listening to a positive podcast while I make breakfast, watching the birds, noticing how the bees are flocking to my flowering gifts in the yard, including the fragrance of lilac gently carried by the breeze. Then I make my calls and let it go. Life is precious and I know that very often it is the small things that are most important, that save us. 

Wishing you beauty, peace, joy, love, kindness, and small things this week.

A slightly different slant on the same theme from the Circle of Women.

Life becomes more peaceful when you stop trying to prove your point to everyone.

Many people spend too much time and energy trying to explain themselves, defend their actions, or change how others think. But the truth is, you don’t need to do any of that.

People will always have their own opinions. Some will misunderstand you no matter how clearly you speak.

Others will judge you even if they know the full story. That’s just how life is.

But here’s the good news — what they think has nothing to do with you. Their thoughts are a reflection of them, not of you.

The more you try to prove your worth, your truth, or your choices to others, the more stressed and frustrated you become. You may start to feel like you’re not enough or that you always have to explain yourself.

But you don’t. You are not here to meet everyone’s expectations. You are here to live your life with peace and purpose.

Letting go of the need to prove anything doesn’t make you weak. It means you are wise. It means you know your value, and you don’t need to seek approval from others.

So, take a deep breath and let people say what they want. Let them think what they want. You don’t have to react or explain. Protect your energy. Focus on your happiness and your goals.

Peace comes when you stop fighting to be understood and start accepting that not everyone needs to understand you. And that’s okay.