I don’t feel like writing a note about happiness and thriving right now. I feel…all kinds of other things. Stuck. Sad. Scared. Angry.

So, I thought I’d share what I do when I’m feeling this way in case it helps even one person.

We benefit from taking space and processing those negative feelings. Moving through them. And not pretending the world is just puppies and rainbows. 

Yes, I live a beautiful, privileged life, AND I still have fear that my kids might be hurt just going about their day. Going to school. Going to a concert. Or the mall. Or a grocery store.

I worry that living a more public-facing life could make someone upset with my views and beliefs, and that they’d retaliate.

At the very least, as parents we want to make sure the kids are fed and clothed and have a safe place to live—and then we worry if they’re hitting their growth milestones, then how they’re doing in school, and do we have enough extra-curricular things going on to set them up to be happy and healthy adults? Are we teaching them responsibility and resilience? Do they have friends? Are they “the right” friends? Are my biases impacting my kids?

And on and on it goes.

Friday I met up with friends, and we cried and just made room for those feelings.

And after I let some tears fall, I wanted to feel like I had some sense of control. Like I wasn’t helpless.

So, I took control of my immediate circle. My family. I could be present with them and do my best to make sure they feel loved, seen, and supported.

This weekend we played video games together and worked on a puzzle and ate pizza and stayed in our pjs for a good portion of the day.

However this note finds you, I hope you feel a little more permission (not that you need it) to rest, cry, laugh, or simply be. Sending a virtual hug to anyone who could use one.

xoxo,
Nicole

P.S. If you’re looking for more ways to calm the overwhelm, check out this YouTube video for 5 proven strategies to soothe anxiety in minutes: