What. The. Heck.
Just when we thought the world couldn’t get more like a dystopian novel – it did. There’s so much going on in the world right now that to write about anything I had slated (Tan France’s style tips or getting fired) just feels trivial and silly when people are fighting for their lives and losing their homes.
Russia is invading Ukraine – and it feels like we’re on the edge of a war.
NSW & Queensland are flooding – people have devastatingly lost their lives and emergency teams are working hard to ensure no more do.
The Taliban continue to impose restrictions on women that send them back who even knows how many years.
People are still feeling the effects of COVID – on their lives, businesses, ability to make ends meet.
It’s enough to make you want to give up. But I was reminded this morning of a fantastic line by Aunty Dittie in The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams;
“‘I cannot overstate the benefits of a busy day for an anxious mind or a lonely heart.’”
Action can drive back anxiety – often, it’s the only thing that does.
So if you’re feeling helpless/anxious/like a lifeguard at the Olympics Swimming:
Support people impacted by the floods by donating to the NSW SES, Salvos or Red Cross; giving goods, services or volunteering through GIVIT; or donating to specific GoFundMe fundraisers
Donate to the Care Ukraine Crisis Fund (even just $10 will make you feel like you’ve done something)
Only absorb accurate and unbiased news (I recommend Impact, The Daily Aus or Upworthy on Instagram, reading The Daily Aus and switching off the TV but if you must then watch SBS)
Do what you can, when you can and realise that there is little you have control over
Hard times remind us what matters most. Remind yourself of 5 things you’re grateful and thankful for – I’ll go first:
I’m grateful for my friends, family and that the baby in my belly is safe
I’m grateful I live in this safe and protected country (even with a questionable Prime Minister)
I’m grateful for my rights as a citizen
I’m grateful for my home
I’m grateful that I can drink as much water as I like today
While devastating circumstances, I encourage you to:
Be INSPIRED BY our brave SES teams, local heroes & how communities are rallying together
Admire the bravery, resilience and heroism of the Ukraine people
Take action in the small ways you can
The world can be a bad, scary and hard place – but it’s also a place full of bravery, kindness, and love.
There’s people across the globe and in our very own backyard making selfless sacrifices to help others – be inspired by that and do whatever small part you can.
