We are living in a very scary time right now, between the pandemic, politics and world issues, many people are very scared. I am often asked the best way to deal with things when you are scared. I have three suggestions.

First, nurture yourself. Figure out what creates a feeling of peace or calm for you. Is it listening to the birds? Is it watching the waves? Is it listening to children laugh? Dancing? Hiking? Holding a loved one close? Whatever it is for you, be sure that you are regularly engaging in it. It is crucial to our mental well-being that we regularly, daily, nurture ourselves.

Second, have a spiritual part of your life. For some people, it may be organized religion. For others, it may be sitting under a tree. I do not really care what spirituality means to you, as long as you have a connection to something bigger than yourself. It may be to the community of all humans. It may be nature. But a spiritual path also helps to ground us and give us hope. Connect with your spirituality daily.

The third thing is to do something! If you just sit and do nothing, then you will feel powerless. Do something! It may be as small as a post of social media. It may be joining a march. It may be getting involved politically. By doing something, we regain the feeling of having some power and control in our lives. The feeling of powerlessness is very demoralizing. It increases fear. The best way to combat that is to get involved at whatever level works for you.

The first two suggestions can help you to have the strength to do the third. But, I hope you can hear this, if you are scared, as has been said by many people much wiser than me, be the change you want to see. May we all create a better world today.