Stephanie, You asked “please share about how you have found your own sense of control or power in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.”.
I am a senior who worries about what kind of world I am bequeathing to my family. It has been very depressing realizing the limited impact and scope of my ability to affect the craziness we are living through right now.
Then it occurred to me that I need to declutter. Declutter my dependence on morning Joe show to be my source of truth. So I turned them off. And I quickly followed with all the rest of the junk news. Such a liberating feeling from such a small action. So I spend that time now meditating and thinking on the wonderful family I have. That in turn reenergizes me to be more in the moment with my wife, each of my kids and grandkids. Perhaps those little moments will mean something to them over time and strengthen them to make the world better.
Lastly real honest thought provoking interactions/news like this one hosted by Stephanie and other fearless folks have already filled my bucket with the realization that we need to lock arms like other defining moments in our country’s history and show that fearlessness. That perhaps is control.
This was just what I needed to be reminded of. I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved kitty. May her memories keep you warm in her absence. I do find myself sometimes dragged down by the fear and negativity going on around us. So I decided to host a postcard writing session with friends to remind officials of their duties. And I’m going to coordinate a food drive or diaper drive to help people. I can’t change everything but I can do good around me and for me that helps.
Thank you Stephanie. Your story made me look up and actually see the beautiful blue sky morning. My condolences on your sweetie furry friend. Small acts do matter.
I was in a support group for people who lost their beloved animal family members. It was wonderful to share our experiences and resources for coping. There are now online pet loss support groups but I appreciated the in-person monthly gatherings and I learned much about grief and support. I'm glad I read this today and hope you find comfort for your loss.
There is always a bright spot in our day. It may take some effort to see it sometimes, but we should always cherish it, and let it be the moment we remember.
Yes. Self care and staying in the present with the people we love is important. But there are things we can do. I made a contribution to ACLU. It felt like I was doing something.
That is a very important something. Thank you for reading and commenting, Brian. And thank you for stepping up in all those places we do have power now.
Dr. Stephanie, thank you for sharing your loss with us, and hurry to find a new little friend.
Thank you for sharing the moving story of your friend Andy, that is inspirational and reminds us to care for ourselves to be able to care for others. As for supporting providers for underserved communities, let me recommend The Southern Poverty Law Center.
What an absolutely beautiful and positive take and message on a world that feels as if its crumbling all around us every day. We must always try and remember to latch onto the positive and good things things that still reside in us and among us. I feel that is where true power lives and breathes. I too am an avid follower of a sunrise. As my little old Sicilian grandmother reminded me... A sunrise always represents a second chance to do good, to be good. To try again.
Such a beautiful kitty...so sorry for her falling ill. I worry every day about my 13 yr old tortoise but so far so good. An uplifting post in very dark times. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for this post and I’m glad I have the discipline to read these things… It was spiritual… It was beautiful and I am doing everything I can to be present and help my fellow mankind even though I am in a deep depression about what is happening in this moment in this country. I’m living on a meager Social Security check at 71 years old and have a little in the stock market, which starting Monday, I think Trump will tank…thanks to the Trumps’ tariffs😢… I’m very scared, but thank you so much for this post.🙏🙏🙏
Andy is smart. Let’s be more like Andy.
We can contribute in many ways that don’t involve raging against the indefensible.
Contribute locally, volunteer. We can all be heroes.
https://open.substack.com/pub/albellenchia/p/everyday-heroes?r=7wk5d&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
He is a smart cookie.
We have to step up and contribute wherever we see opportunity to help. Looking forward to your post, Al! Thank you for reading and sharing.
Stephanie, You asked “please share about how you have found your own sense of control or power in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.”.
I am a senior who worries about what kind of world I am bequeathing to my family. It has been very depressing realizing the limited impact and scope of my ability to affect the craziness we are living through right now.
Then it occurred to me that I need to declutter. Declutter my dependence on morning Joe show to be my source of truth. So I turned them off. And I quickly followed with all the rest of the junk news. Such a liberating feeling from such a small action. So I spend that time now meditating and thinking on the wonderful family I have. That in turn reenergizes me to be more in the moment with my wife, each of my kids and grandkids. Perhaps those little moments will mean something to them over time and strengthen them to make the world better.
Lastly real honest thought provoking interactions/news like this one hosted by Stephanie and other fearless folks have already filled my bucket with the realization that we need to lock arms like other defining moments in our country’s history and show that fearlessness. That perhaps is control.
Thanks to you all.
This was just what I needed to be reminded of. I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved kitty. May her memories keep you warm in her absence. I do find myself sometimes dragged down by the fear and negativity going on around us. So I decided to host a postcard writing session with friends to remind officials of their duties. And I’m going to coordinate a food drive or diaper drive to help people. I can’t change everything but I can do good around me and for me that helps.
Thank you, Grace. What a wonderful way to take action. Keep it up and let us know how we can help :)
Self care is crucial and if you are able just being kind it smiling at someone you don't know can improve someone's day.
Great reminders. Thank you for reading!
Thank you Stephanie. Your story made me look up and actually see the beautiful blue sky morning. My condolences on your sweetie furry friend. Small acts do matter.
Thank you, Bob. I’m so glad you had that experience this morning!
I was in a support group for people who lost their beloved animal family members. It was wonderful to share our experiences and resources for coping. There are now online pet loss support groups but I appreciated the in-person monthly gatherings and I learned much about grief and support. I'm glad I read this today and hope you find comfort for your loss.
Thank you, Cathy. That sounds like a wonderful group full of good people. Take care and send my love to all of them too.
Wow! I really, really needed this today. THANK YOU for improving my day and my outlook. Very valuable.
Thank you for reading, Janet. I’m so glad it resonated. Stay strong.
There is always a bright spot in our day. It may take some effort to see it sometimes, but we should always cherish it, and let it be the moment we remember.
So very true. Thank you, Greta.
Yes. Self care and staying in the present with the people we love is important. But there are things we can do. I made a contribution to ACLU. It felt like I was doing something.
That is a very important something. Thank you for reading and commenting, Brian. And thank you for stepping up in all those places we do have power now.
Great piece and precious kitty.
Thank you for reading, Sam!
Very precious kitty and such a thoughtful, meaningful and lovely piece. Thank you Dr. Stephanie.
Dr. Stephanie, thank you for sharing your loss with us, and hurry to find a new little friend.
Thank you for sharing the moving story of your friend Andy, that is inspirational and reminds us to care for ourselves to be able to care for others. As for supporting providers for underserved communities, let me recommend The Southern Poverty Law Center.
Thank you for this reminder, Dennis. Support those heroes. Thank you for reading too.
❤️ 😭 🙏
What an absolutely beautiful and positive take and message on a world that feels as if its crumbling all around us every day. We must always try and remember to latch onto the positive and good things things that still reside in us and among us. I feel that is where true power lives and breathes. I too am an avid follower of a sunrise. As my little old Sicilian grandmother reminded me... A sunrise always represents a second chance to do good, to be good. To try again.
Such a beautiful kitty...so sorry for her falling ill. I worry every day about my 13 yr old tortoise but so far so good. An uplifting post in very dark times. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for this post and I’m glad I have the discipline to read these things… It was spiritual… It was beautiful and I am doing everything I can to be present and help my fellow mankind even though I am in a deep depression about what is happening in this moment in this country. I’m living on a meager Social Security check at 71 years old and have a little in the stock market, which starting Monday, I think Trump will tank…thanks to the Trumps’ tariffs😢… I’m very scared, but thank you so much for this post.🙏🙏🙏