Waiting on the World to Change: PYL In-Flight: Oct 14, 2023
Welcome Back My Self-Caring Passengers:
If you’ve been paying attention to the news for the last week, you can’t help but be aware of what is happening in Israel and Gaza. It’s horrifying and beyond comprehension. I can’t help but think that if women were in charge, this would not be happening. But it is. Regardless of your political leanings, the humanitarian crisis that has been created not just in the last week, but in the last fifty years, is unacceptable.
I’ve reached out to friends in Israel, and to some of my Jewish friends, to check in on them and see how they are doing. I’ve hesitated to post anything on social media to avoid appearing tone deaf and to give space to others with greater knowledge and better perspectives.
Even though I am not directly impacted right now (as far as I know), I have been very anxious this week wondering how this is going to play out. I’m also nervous about the chaos in the Republican led House, the war in Ukraine, the high interest rates, the current cases in front of the corrupt Supreme Court, how the current economy is impacting so many college graduates, and the possibility that The Former Guy could be elected president again. And and and…
It’s a lot and I am not directly, or even moderately indirectly, impacted by most of this right now.
As a planner, I can’t help but look ahead to see what I can do to mitigate risk and minimize potential negative impact for me and my family. What financial changes should we make now to plan for a possible global meltdown? How do I protect my family? These are just a few of the questions swirling around my unsettled mind.
If you are feeling any of this, please know that you are not alone. We are experiencing some seriously turbulent times and it’s a lot to navigate through.
I don’t have the answers, but I do know that this is a time to take care of yourself. Be aware of the negativity and do what you can to feel better prepared to deal with the uncertainty, chaos, and trauma in the world.
I also talked to Jillian, my son Adam’s girlfriend, to get her perspective as a young, Jewish woman with friends in Israel. She had two recommendations:
- Continue to live your life. Enjoy the moments. Be aware of how precious all of this is.
- Donate where you can to legitimate organizations.
Jillian is researching some options for us to support people impacted by the war in Israel/Gaza. If that is not your interest area, consider finding a way to donate to those impacted by the war in Ukraine, or in support of democracy (locally or abroad), or to protect and promote other marginalized people in the world. Taking some sort of action could provide some relief from the helplessness you may be feeling (assuming you are feeling like I do).
If you are feeing especially anxious, consider seeking professional help. I don’t think things are going to get better, or easier, any time soon.
My friend Jessica would also recommend feeding your body with healthy, nutritious and nurturing foods. It’s autumn in the northern hemisphere so it’s the perfect time to find things that warm the belly, and hopefully the heart and soul.
- Find a way to get into nature
- Spend time with people who make you feel loved
- Create something beautiful
- Find the space for some peace
May you find peace, acceptance, and love today as you navigate being human and as we actively seek peaceful solutions.
With much love and gratitude,
Terri
P.S. Happy birthday to Piloting Your Life which turned four on September 1st! If you haven’t read it, grab yourself a copy. If you loved it, gift a copy to a friend who could use it.
This week’s song: Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer.
Journal prompt / reflection: What is making me anxious right now? What are some things I can do to lessen this anxiety?
What I’m Listening To: The 1975 Radio on Pandora. It’s the right balance of pop (and bops) and soothing sounds to help me stay focused as I work on both my creative content and my heavier duty consulting projects.
terrihansonmead.com
Piloting Your Life (the book)
Terri Mead YouTube Channel
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