It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Turn on the news, scroll through your phone, and you’re hit with a tidal wave of things you can’t control. Add to that the personal challenges we all face—childcare, adapting to workplace changes, the sting of “what ifs” and “should haves.” It’s a heavy weight to carry, and it can feel paralyzing.
In the face of all this, our minds can get stuck in a loop. We might blame the world, the system, or the people who’ve wronged us. Or we swing the other way, blaming ourselves for not being stronger, smarter, or somehow different. Both paths lead to the same dead end: a place where we are stuck in the past and have no power. This is the “crooked thinking” that keeps us stuck—the habit of believing our happiness is at the mercy of outside forces or things that happened in the past.
But here’s the truth: Your life is not a waiting room. You don’t have to wait for the world to be perfect or for your past to be rewritten to start building a life of meaning and joy.
The most radical act in difficult times is to claim ownership of your own small patch of the universe. It’s about consciously shifting your focus from the raging storm you can’t control or the debris of past storms to the ship you can steer right now. You can’t single-handedly fix capitalism, but you can choose to support a local business or start a side project you’re passionate about. You can broaden your definition of success beyond how much you make or your job title. You can volunteer or donate—you don’t have to be the spokesperson for the cause—most causes primarily need supporters. You can’t erase political divides, but you can foster respectful, loving relationships in your own community.
This isn’t about ignoring the world’s problems or pretending they don’t exist. In fact, I believe it’s our responsibility to not put our heads in the sand! It’s about refusing to let those problems have the final say on your life. Try asking yourself every day: “What is one thing I have the power to do today to create a moment of peace, a spark of happiness, or a step toward my own definition of success?” We do not need joy, happiness, or excitement all of the time to create a satisfying life; we just need to carve out some time for what is meaningful and allow ourselves to feel the enjoyment or satisfaction that comes from that. It is about acknowledging the difficulties that are outside our control or in our past, but still having room to also take action toward what is meaningful and gives us joy or satisfaction in the moment. Maybe it’s a five-minute walk without your phone. Maybe it’s finally starting that creative project. Maybe it’s just making a really good cup of coffee and savoring it.
The world will continue to be a complicated place. But your happiness, your work, and your peace don’t have to be permanent casualties. Start today. Find your footing. Start moving toward a life that feels like your own, right here, in the face of it all. Ready to take these steps with expert guidance? Working with a coach can truly enhance and streamline this journey. Reach out to annegaringcoaching.com for a free coaching session to discover if coaching is the right fit for you.
Ó Peg Hunt, MS & Anne Garing, PhD