Even when the world feels heavy, I am allowed to pause and return to peace.

Over the last day, I lost my balance. I was already walking a thin line, but this time I tipped over the edge. I let myself take in too much—too much news, too many opinions. And it’s hard not to, isn’t it? When we may be on the brink of war, when humans are being kidnapped, when life-saving programs are dismantled or rights are stripped away. It’s hard to stay informed and not doom scroll when these catastrophic shifts happen in the span of a day or two.

I had to work hard to recenter myself—from my mind to my heart—to keep the fear and anger from taking over. And I know I’m not alone in that. So consider this your timeline cleanse, if you will. I urge you to seek balance. To stop chasing the overwhelm. Look for the good news. Celebrate the wins. Watch videos of dogs or cats being silly. Save the quote that lifts you. We only move forward in light if we keep that light flickering in our own lives.

The one thing, above all, that keeps me afloat is all of you. The people I meet in passing. The unexpected conversations. The quiet kindness. The hugs from friends. The messages of support. Even the quiet likes or reactions to what I share. I see you. And I’m grateful.

We may not all know each other, we may be scattered across different places and lives—but we’re still part of the same cloth. Woven together by hope. Held together by resilience. Give yourself grace when the world feels heavy. Take a breath. Recenter. And when you’re ready, carry on.