Sending Out Love
Written By: Rachel Goodwin, Graduate Student Intern
These days it’s hard to open any form of technology without being faced with graphic images and awful stories of realities happening all over the world.
Most recently, the videos and news we see from Ukraine feel particularly overwhelming – it can leave us feeling on edge, anxious, purposeless, or even numbed out.
We are entering a new technology age as humans, where for the first time we see daily all the travesties of the world – the ones in our homes, our communities, our state, our country AND across the whole world. These things tend to make headlines more than the “good news.” How do we cope? How can we not begin to feel like the world is a dark and scary place? How do we feel safe again?
I do know the empathy and hurt we feel for those suffering anywhere can be a very good thing. It’s what makes us become compassionate and move us to help our fellow human.
When the concern and worry that bubbles up inside us moves us to action, it’s served its purpose. Unfortunately, many of us who watch the news are simply left with just a feeling of hopelessness. Of complete overwhelm and despair.
This can lead to anxiety, depression, and even health related concerns.
My invitation for you, as we all navigate this rocky time in our world, is to step back and just observe what parts of the national or global news feel particularly overwhelming. Ask yourself, what is one thing I can do to help? Perhaps it’s donating to a fund or gathering resources. Perhaps it’s a prayer, or a kind word or act of service to a stranger. Perhaps its dedicating a meditation or yoga practice. What I do know, is when we act upon the worry, the worry gets a little smaller. It’s what makes the worry serve its purpose.
When we hold on to worry and anxieties without any action, it keeps us stuck and doesn’t serve any purpose that serves us. Doing something, even if it feels so very small, mobilizes us and helps us feel less out of control.
It can all be a little too much at times. Once you’ve watched a little news, feel free to turn it off. And rest in the fact that we cannot be everything to everyone in the world.
Do one thing to help - no matter how small and insignificant it feels. And then see if you can try to bring a little bit more love to those in your own little world – the ones in your home, and your work, and community. We are all deeply connected, and the love you send out into the world can ripple more than you know.
Restoring Hope Counseling has multiple Therapists on staff with some who are able to take insurance, and some who are interns and provisionally licensed staff, who can provide counseling at a discounted rate. They all provide in Person or Telehealth sessions. Visit our “Meet our Team” page or contact us for further information to help you find the person who is the best fit for you.
