This is the Situation

It’s been a hard week. My big-hearted, creative, generous, and hilarious aunt passed away after a long and miserable stretch of illness. The brain fog and other neurological symptoms from my recent Covid reinfection have yet to lift. One of my sons is dealing with a particularly itchy ailment that has meant less sleep and more stress for both of us. But this morning, I read these words from a nine-year-old in Ukraine, who is living in a subway tunnel to avoid the dangers of bombing and artillery fire in Kyiv: “It’s not so comfortable. But you see, this is the situation, and we just have to put up with it.”

What more is there to say? Sometimes, life is indeed uncomfortable. Other times, it is downright overwhelming. Always, the choice is this: will we accept reality on its own terms, or will we squander our energy with self-pity or denial?

None of this excuses Putin, of course. Or Covid. They are both murderous assholes. But for today, I am embracing the wisdom of a child whose present hardships are much greater than mine: this is the situation. I am focusing on doing what I can. Writing a little. Resting a lot. Spending time outside, where breeze and birdsong still tickle my soul into gratitude. Holding space in my heart for people whose problems are much bigger than my own. Opening my wallet to help in whatever small ways I can.  

Some days, our feet dance across the earth. Other days, they are heavy with grief, both personal and collective. All days, the task is the same: to put one foot (however slowly) in front of the other, beginning from wherever we are right now.

What small kindness can you offer to yourself or to the world today? How can you respond to the realities of this moment in a way that reflects your most deeply held values?

P.S. Not sure what your most deeply held values are? Listen to this podcast by the wonderful Brené Brown!