Cultivating hope when the world feels heavy

Something interesting happens when you commit to living more mindfully.

Not only do you become more attuned to experiences of beauty, joy and gratitude.

You also begin experiencing challenging emotions in more embodied ways.

And in today’s world, those big waves of emotion can all feel like a lot.

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Lately I’ve been sitting with deep feelings of grief at the state of our world.

Reflecting on the many challenges facing humanity often bring about a cocktail of fear, sadness and anger.

Last night, tears streamed down my face as I thought about the planet my daughter’s generation is inheriting.

When I consider the challenges ahead of us as a collective, my fight-or-flight response can take over.

I feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problems.

I want to give up hope.

I anticipate the worst.

I become cynical.

I blame.

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Those feelings are all valid.

And I give myself permission to feel them.

But I know that acting from that place isn’t the answer.

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So once I feel what I need to feel, I think of my daughter.

I think of how Ella, and every child, is of a beautiful future.

And how, no matter how grim the situation looks, I can’t give up on that vision.

My perspective shifts as I begin to lead with love.

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I recommit to trusting in the innate goodness of humanity.

I anchor into my love for the planet and the remarkable souls I share it with.

I remind myself of our collective wholeness, capability, resourcefulness and creativity.

Armed with this renewed mindset, I re-enter a state of empowerment.

From this place of empowerment arises purposeful action.

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My actions may feel small, even insignificant at times.

But I trust that my steadfast commitment to acting with love can create powerful ripples of change in the world.

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So I’m committing to continue choosing hope over cynicism.

Choosing love over hate and finger-pointing.

And choosing to continue taking meaningful action, no matter how small it seems.

What are you choosing?