When times seem hopeless, look for the helpers. No matter what tragedy unfolds- and there are many- humankind rallies and organises to carry aid to those who need it, to gather community, to rebuild. It’s easy to feel low though, isn’t it? We are bombarded with bad news stories, complaints on the radio, cost of living, crises here in Ireland and beyond globally. We are pinged by our phones, making sure we know all the bad things, all the time. It’s easy to get snowed under with it all.
However, it’s not normal to be aware of global strife all the time. We are not able to process it all. So it’s important to step back, take a digital break, and train your eyes to find the glimmers of joy.
Because good things are happening all the time. Good people are around us, all the time. The helpers are there to pick us up, to offer a hand, to rescue us from the darkness and let the light in.
Across the pond, the Cathedral de Notre Dame has just been reopened to the public. While we may live in a more secular world, it’s hard not to wonder at the miracle of its reconstruction. Raised from the ashes, Paris gathered its helpers to make sure the City of Light still shone. There’s something beautiful to reflect on what we as humans can positively create.
Glimmers Of Joy Build Positive Creation
We can all look for these glimmers of light.
Closer to home- my sister Rachel just delivered her own glimmer of joy- a beautiful, healthy baby girl! We are so overjoyed to welcome new life and another member of the Viva La Vulva Tour! (BTW our March 1st Show is almost sold out- we will be adding a matinee!)
Rachel’s journey to motherhood had its challenges which makes this bundle of new life so very special for her- plus she delivered on her birthday- what a gift! (There I go again with the waterworks 😭) As I held my newborn niece, I reflected on how life is an incredible journey, with its ups and downs yes, but with miracles too.
Our very own Late Late Toy Show, the annual child centric show that delights children and adults alike reminds us of the magical thinking of children. It’s lovely to think how many of us tune in together to watch it, to remember when we were kids watching it, and now we have kids of our own.
Let’s all look for the helpers this season. Instead of focusing on all the bad news, so much of which is way beyond our control, let’s tune into local joy. Let’s switch off the news apps- just as you would those unread email subscriptions. Train your mind to find the joy in the everyday. My sister’s happy news, bringing a beautiful baby girl into the world, fills me with such joy. Of course I know that horrible things are still going on, and yet, life itself goes on too. Let’s focus on pure creative love, the beauty of the ordinary- a great cup of tea and a chat with friends, sharing a meal with family. We need to remind ourselves that humanity is wonderful too. We are creative beings capable of sharing goodness.
Let’s build on this energy instead of the negative doom scroll. Instead of lining up to consume more things, let’s line up for more hugs and meet ups with friends and family. Give yourself some kindness too and pass it on. Be the helper to share more joy and light this season, injecting some much needed energy in a world needing all our love. We can’t save everyone and everything from the chaos, but we can save ourselves and our little communities by being kind to each other, one little light at a time.
Love,
Laura x
