How to Find Light in Diabolical Times

(A note from Irene B.)

These past days, or months, for many of us, it’s been almost impossible not to feel overwhelmed: fear, anger, rage… add anything else to that list, with what’s happening here. It’s touching everyone and is devastating on too many levels. The uncertainty. The constant “what’s coming next?”, rattles me daily. And I don’t have the answers.

Yet, I still have to believe the good will outweigh the bad… at some point. And can that ‘some point‘ be right the hell now… please?! Even so, I keep moving forward, because I (we) have to. The world is still a big, beautiful, but deeply complicated place. We have to hold on to compassion, progress where we can find it, and people who know what’s real and worth fighting for, in whatever way we can.

I still believe in the power of creating. Of telling all our stories. Clinging with both hands, arms, legs, you name it, to joy and chasing our dreams, without causing harm as we go. I’ve got no choice but to carry my fears, but I won’t let them stop me. I hope you can do the same, but please, keep yourself safe in whatever way you need right now. The only thing you owe yourself is your happiness, and to guard your peace.

What helps me most is surrounding myself with good people, near and far. We don’t have to agree on everything, but human decency has to be the minimum bar. I need to share space with people who align with my values because without that; I spiral. Hard. Sometimes that means fading back from people who’ve been in our lives forever, but whose values we now see more clearly and differently. That’s okay. And also, not okay. If that feels like too hard of a line for you right now, I get that, too. Just do your best to keep your stress low and your boundaries clear.

We’re in a serious time right now, and the way my brain is wired, I’m liable to say something I won’t regret and absolutely won’t walk back, so distance has become my curse-word regulator.

However you’re feeling right now, and believe me, you’re not alone, breathe. Rest when you need to. Regroup. But don’t forget: your voice still matters, and the world still needs to hear from the resilient and good human you are, with all your amazing gifts.

We’ll keep going. Together.