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Navigating Complex Waters

Maggie

Day 330

Giving credit where credit is due, I saw this statement on Glennon Doyle’s Facebook page this morning. It was written on a sandwich chalkboard sitting on a sidewalk somewhere. It struck a chord in me because I often feel this way in our chaotic world.

Do We Choose How We Feel?

The media is a bombardment of bad news and terrible unrest. It can get under your skin especially if your personality leans toward being an empath. We can drive ourselves crazy. I cannot fathom how someone could even think about killing innocent people let alone carrying out such a threat.

I take a few minutes every day to scan the news. Then I put it away. I choose how to spend the remainder of my day. I could never be a politician. I could never make the choices or exhibit the behavior as some of our elected officials do every day. I do not know how to play this kind of chess where the pieces are real people.

How to Find Joy in the Worst of Days

When I think back about the most trying times of my life, I try to remember why they were so upsetting. There is a wisdom that comes with age — hopefully — that allows us to see our life through a different lens.

What I have surmised is those difficult times all seem to surround some sort of ending or loss. It’s human nature I suppose, to want things to stay the way they are. It is where we are the most comfortable. But stretching ourselves beyond the discomfort of change is where our growth begins.

When we realize how small we are in the big scheme of things, it enables us to think about ourselves differently. This is when I can see the beauty and magic that surrounds me so much clearer. I choose to see the beauty and strive for the harmony.

I cannot allow politics to weaponize my outlook. Taking up arms to eliminate what we fear only makes the fear more powerful.

Infusing Joy

I love this blogging community. The photos you share remind me of how beautiful this world really is. Your stories of every day life remind me how many good people are living a good life and trying to be the best person they can be. The support for one another reveals the true human heart. I read your work — some of the best fiction and poetry around. This is a cross section of our world — the example you will never see in the news media. This is where we need to put our energy.

This morning I had a quick video chat with my granddaughter. She starts a new school on Wednesday and she is nervous. Remember those days? I spoke with my children and sent a text to my daughter-in-law. I checked in on my step-daughter because today starts her the first day of the home-schooling year. Then I checked in with my dear friend who is facing some medical challenges. Everyone is balancing life.

Then I settled into writing my blog while watching the hummingbirds dart in and out of the flowers as a small chipmunk tried to scurry up the bird feeder pole. He was not too successful but that does not mean he is giving up.

I hope you are not giving up either. When you share your trials and your happiness, I am right there with you.

I hope you find a treasure trove of joy in your week. It is out there.

19 thoughts on “Navigating Complex Waters”

  1. I never learned to play chess, but I did spend a great deal of my life being very involved in politics. Not just any politics either, those of the ‘Hard Left’, as they call it here.
    And then one day, I just stopped. I no longer belonged to ‘The Party’, espoused any real cause, or acted as a Union representative anymore. I faded into the background, and have been happy there ever since.
    The most I do now is to have a good ‘moan’ on my other blog. That serves to let off the little bit of steam remaining in my boiler. 🙂
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I have been involved too. I will stay abreast, vote, and fight when needed, but I cannot be in the throws every day. It is unhealthy.

      It reminds me of my friend’s father. He dedicated his life to be a dedicated employee. Missing so many important moments in his family because of the time he spent on the road. When he retired, he lamented that none of the companies he worked for were still in business. The same holds true for the futility of current politics. Perhaps it has always been the same. Just different players.

      Have a good week, Pete.

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  3. Then I put it away.

    I handle the news the same way. I read it, am aware of it, think on it briefly– but refuse to cave into its endless cycle of misery and conspiracy and utter doom. Maintaining my own sanity trumps anything that Trump causes. 🤨

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    1. Agreed, Ally. Maintain g our humanity is really easy if we talk to each other and come from a place of really trying to understand others. Constant bickering never changes minds.

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  5. I’m not giving up, Maggie, but I’m not giving in to the news or social media discussions. I do love reading the blogs I follow. It’s not like I’m a solid match for every opinion, but the people I follow seem rationale and logical and reasonable. I can deal with that.

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    1. When we are openminded it is easier to enjoy our differences. I know I am not everyone’s cup of tea, but I at least try to be level headed.

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  6. I take comfort with the people around the world dealing with equally challenging political climates while still gardening, shopping, visiting with family and cooking interesting foods.

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    1. You are so right, Elizabeth. When we can see and understand the challenges confronting others and see how gracefully they manage to lead their lives, it is awe inspiring.

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  7. I went to the Women’s March after Trump’s election, after having been politically active (for the first time in my life) campaigning for Hillary Clinton. I’m now aware that I was living in some sort of bubble with Obama as president and being OK financially, but never imagined that Americans would elect Trump. So the news cycle is definitely something to minimize as you write, especially as a empath-inclined sort of person.

    I garden, I write, and I try to keep engaged, but I can’t keep up with the news cycle, that’s for sure. Totally crazy-making.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It has been a roller coaster, Lisa. I am so thankful for real life activities I surround myself with. We can make a huge difference locally. Entering into an election year will require a good deal of self care.

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  8. so very heartwarming, Maggie. thank you! yes, the world is a mess and sometimes we are caught up in a mess. but still, somewhere out there is love, joy and beauty. somewhere out there is peace. you have to make a choice.

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    1. I never forget how fortunate I am to see the life I have been blessed with. So many are not so fortunate. Peace and tranquility are a balm to soothe a troubled mind.

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