It’s been a minute since my last blog post—the day before the Presidential Election, to be exact. And, well, we all know how that turned out. Surprised? Not really. Disappointed? Definitely. Watching the cabinet picks roll in? Equal parts appalled and bemused. But I’ll leave it there because this blog is about finding calm amidst chaos, not dissecting politics. Besides, I’ve got enough unpredictability navigating life as a stay-at-home mom without tackling Washington, D.C.
Take my toddler, for instance. Some days, I can’t even control what he picks out to wear, despite carefully curated options. (Did you know Elmo pajama tops pair perfectly with rain boots and a fireman’s hat? Neither did I!) Yet somehow, it’s this tiny, daily chaos that keeps me grounded.
Because here’s the thing: the world feels like a relentless 24-hour news cycle of stress. It’s enough to leave anyone feeling hopeless, worried, or downright terrified. But when I find myself spiraling, I remind myself to focus on what’s right in front of me. The things I can control.
Like how I choose to respond to a frustrating situation. Or how I spend my days—whether that’s chasing my toddler around the house or finding five minutes of quiet to breathe and reset. Or how I show up for myself and the people I love.
“When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.”
~Anonymous
Life might feel overwhelming, but we’re not powerless. Sometimes, the most radical thing we can do is be present and intentional with our energy. Because when we focus on what we can control, even in the smallest of ways, we create space for peace in the chaos.