How to Keep Going When You Feel Insignificant
Last week I wrote about committing to self-care during the month of September. As I sat down to write to you today with the intention of expanding on the idea, it seemed so silly.
19 years ago today terrorist attacks shook my country and the world. Seeing the date as I’m writing to you puts everything in perspective. Or at least, makes some of what I’ve been thinking and feeling seem frivolous and insignificant.
“United we stand” was the slogan of the day, but we weren’t really united then. And today, 19 years later we are more divided than ever.
Life feels so heavy right now. My words, my art, my actions, in the face of what’s happening day after day after day seem so small.
For some reason my thoughts strayed to the article I wrote for Artful Blogging Magazine four years ago. Perhaps it’s because it’s another election year with continuous heartbreaking news. Perhaps it’s just that my thoughts have been straying to the past. Whatever the reasons, I grabbed my copy of the magazine and re-read my words.
“At times when heart-sickening headlines dominate, what I do in my little corner of the world seems so small and insignificant: a painting of flowers, a joy list, an incitement to do something creative and pay attention to the world’s glimmers of magic.”
Oh yes, I still feel like that. I could have written those words today.
But I also wrote:
“One connection, one message of love can make all the difference. What I do, what you do, might seem small, but it is vital. We cannot let each other forget that.”
Once again I need the reminder.
Yes, I’ve been feeling discouraged. My energy and mood pulled down by current events, by the change of the season, by sick pets. If I don’t take care of myself and tend to my body and my mind and my spirit, life will overwhelm me and I won’t be able to do anything at all.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and discouraged or wondering if what you do really matters, know I’m with you.