2 Simple strategies to ground and find hope...

Are you as overwhelmed and stressed as everyone else?  Do you want to bury your head under a pillow and sleep until something drastic has changed in the world around you?

You are in good company.  When everything seems so overwhelming and the world around us feels threatening, our brain has only a few common responses, and wanting to stay in bed certainly fits right in!

The hate and indifference in the world right now is heartbreaking.  And when it looks like it's "winning", it's devastating.

So, today, I wanted to share 2 simple strategies to help ground you when you're feeling helpless and discouraged.

1.  Find and repeat a favorite quote, phrase, or mantra.  Here's one from a t-shirt I love:

When Hate is Loud, Love Must Not Be Silent.

Although this version fits better on a t-shirt, it reminds me of one of my favorite Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes, which hangs on the wall of my office in a picture of New York City's Twin Towers (prior 9/11/01).   

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

This picture was a special gift from a friend who knew it integrated perfectly my master's thesis on secondary traumatization after 9/11 and my passion for social justice.  It is a great reminder of what connects me to my hope, my belief in the process of change, and the power of humanity.

Do you have any favorite quotes, phrases or mantras that help to ground you?  What are they?  (Seriously, I'd love to know!)

2.  Remind yourself of the bigger picture.  We don't see it represented or emphasized on the news.  However, there are millions and millions of people like you who are doing whatever they can in their piece of the world with their means and abilities to learn, to grow, to fight for change, to stand up against injustice, and to "not be silent" in the face of hate and indifference.  

And that is power.  That nourishes.  This does not all depend on one or two people.  And the collective power we represent when we stand together is greater than any hate, indifference, or fear.

You matter.  You can make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.