Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Searching for Peace and Joy in a Chaotic World...

Today is Giving Tuesday and a very welcome reminder of what's important. Our lives are bombarded by constant information, entertainment and rabid political discourse, which can lead to a sense that things are falling apart.  

It's so easy to get caught up in the drama and lose perspective. Hopefully each of us has some way to slow things down, turn down the volume and find some peace within.  

For me, being out in Nature is one surefire way to do that - whether it's tramping down country roads in Nebraska, walking on the beach in Florida or simply standing atop the bluffs over the Missouri River and watching the life of the river. 

Image Courtesy of the National Parks Service

Another way is to just stop thinking and start moving.  Walk, run, bike or dance - movement is a sure cure for feeling lost and aimless.

Or find a creative pursuit  - draw, cook, craft or sing!  Let yourself become completely absorbed in something that's positive.  

Finally, turn your focus to making a difference in your community.  Volunteer at a food bank, school or retirement community.  I've loved volunteering with the National T.T.T. Society - where I've made the best friends and helped send dozens of girls to camp over the years.  

At Gilden Tree, we recently held a food drive for a local food pantry.  It was fun to see the items coming in, but even more - it was helpful to start thinking in practical terms about what people really need.  

It's not a perfect world - but it doesn't have to be.  We can make a difference for ourselves and others, even if it's only a little difference.

Here's hoping that 2020 will be the year that we all finally start taking care of ourselves and others and helping make the world a little better.