It can be difficult to find the “wonder” when the “weeds” are seemingly taking over. Whether you are dealing with personal transitions, like an empty nest, or processing the heavy news coming out of your local community, the start of this year has felt intense for many of us.

If you feel like you are standing in front of a firehose of crisis events, you are not alone. Here is how we can navigate these heavy times without losing ourselves in the process.

The Weight of Collective Trauma

Living through a crisis often feels like you are under siege. Unlike a singular event where you prep, endure, and recover, the current state of the world can feel like a constant fever pitch. Whether it is the events unfolding in Minneapolis or headlines from around the globe, it is normal to feel confused about where to turn or what to do next.

Action vs. Grace

When anxiety spikes, action is often the best antidote. Doing something tangible helps us feel less helpless. This might mean:

• Donating to a local food shelf.
• Sharing verified resources from trusted sources.
• Volunteering your time if you are able.

However, there is a catch. You must pair action with grace. You might feel guilty that you aren’t out on the streets protesting or driving neighbors to appointments, but you have to recognize your current capacity. If your primary job right now is raising kind children or keeping your household running, that is enough. Find the one thing you can do, do it, and then forgive yourself for not doing the other 900 things.

Step Away from the Scroll

During times of crisis, our phones often become enemies of our peace. The algorithms are designed to keep us engaged, often by feeding us content that enrages us.

If you find yourself “doom scrolling” or getting into arguments in comment sections, it is time to step back. Social media can be a cesspool of misinformation and hostility. Instead of scrolling, try to seek out direct sources or, better yet, log off entirely.

Find Wonder in Humans

The most effective way to combat the hopelessness of the internet is to interact with real people. Go to the store and talk to the cashier. Go for a walk in your city. You will likely find people who are kind, resilient, and simply living their lives.

We saw this recently on a walk through Minneapolis: a large family celebrating, taking photos, and enjoying the day despite the tension in the news. It was a reminder that not everyone hates each other and that joy still exists.

Join the Conversation If you are looking for a place to connect that isn’t ruled by algorithms, consider joining the Women of Wonder community. We meet monthly to reflect, support one another, and find a little peace in the chaos.

➡️Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder