What Grounds You?

In a crazy, upside-down world, how do you stay grounded? What do you do to cope with the constant barrage of media, of demands, of bad news? How do we cope with the heavy weight of war, of hate, and of helplessness that we feel in the face of all of this?

As a grade 4 teacher, a mom, a wife, a friend, I ,too, feel the current heaviness of the world. I ,too, feel hopeless and overwhelmed many times a day. But I have realized with age that this part isn't going away. Suffering, struggles, darkness will always be there.

What helps me stay grounded, helps me to move forward, and helps me to choose to shine light in the darkness?

Breathing deeply!

Enjoying my first sips of coffee and appreciating the small pleasures!

Really stopping to give full attention to others - listening to student stories, listening to my child tell me about their day on the phone, listening to my husband as he shares his day - being mentally and physically present to others.

Stopping to notice the beauty in nature.

Going for a walk or run.

Staying connected to friends by talking (not texting).

Meditating.

Being thankful and acknowledging this out loud and regularly for myself and others.

It is so important to make your own well-being a priority! I don't think this can be said enough in a world where so many are struggling to cope with life. Living with purpose means that you choose to take care of yourself in order to care for others. 

Take a long, deep breath!