I was going to write about something completely different. And the last few days of sadness asked me not to turn away.
The 14th marked the anniversary of my mom’s transition. It also marked the anniversary of the murder of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Add to that reports of a shooting near Brown University, where lives were lost, a horrific attack at a Jewish celebration in the Bondi Beach area of Australia, where people were killed, and news of the murder of Rob and Michele Reiner. That is a lot to hold. And I also want to say this. These are only the stories I was personally aware of. They are not the only tragedies happening, nor are they the only ones that matter. Somewhere, someone said goodbye to a loved one. Someone received a difficult health diagnosis. Someone’s world quietly shifted in ways the headlines never capture. If your heart feels tender reading this, please be gentle with yourself.
With this kind of heaviness, it’s easy to let dread take over. And this is where I want to remind you of the AND.
Yes, life can be incredibly sad. And at the same time, moments of joy still show up. These emotions do not live separately. They live intertwined.
You can be having a difficult time during the holiday season and still find reasons to smile. You can be having a fantastic holiday season, and grief can still visit. Both experiences are real. Both deserve kindness toward yourself and others.
Another reminder. While national and international news can be hard to absorb, great joy, love, and kindness are also happening across the globe. Often, far more of it. People gather to share meals. Many volunteer to help those in need. Smiles light up spaces everywhere. This isn’t meant to negate the sadness. It’s a reminder that fear tends to take center stage in the media, while goodness continues quietly all around us.
Whether it’s the holiday season or an ordinary day in early spring, my wish for you is simple. Meet the day with hope, kindness, a smile, and a hug.
Moving forward, I invite you to meet each day by:
Pausing to name how you feel.
Awareness puts you in the driver’s seat, especially on hard days. You don’t need to fix the feeling. Just notice it with honesty and compassion.
Letting both joy and sadness have space.
You are allowed to laugh and grieve on the same day. Permitting yourself to hold the AND can soften the edges of both.
Choosing one gentle action.
On difficult days, one small kindness counts. A walk, a few deep breaths, a text to someone you love, or a moment of fresh air can gently shift the tone of the day.
Noticing goodness without forcing it.
This might be a smile from a stranger, a song that lands just right, or a quiet moment of peace. Even when life feels heavy, something supportive is often nearby.
If you find yourself wanting support around your mindset, whether life feels calm, uncertain, joyful, or challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone. My coaching focuses on helping you meet wherever you are with more clarity, kindness, and intention. If that feels supportive, I’d love to connect.
Affirmation
I can hold both joy and sadness with kindness.
Sounds for Your Soul