Peace, Power and Perspective
It’s officially fall here on the West Coast of Canada.
The mornings are cooler. The leaves are turning those gorgeous shades of red, gold and orange before making their way to the ground. Kids are back at school, routines are returning, and many of us are trying to shake off our summer “daze” and recalibrate.
And if you’re feeling a little unsettled right now, you’re probably not alone.
Transitions can be challenging at the best of times. They disrupt our routines, ask us to adjust, and sometimes leave us wondering exactly where we fit in whatever comes next.
But this fall, it feels like there’s another layer. There is a lot of noise.
Economic uncertainty. Political uncertainty. Elections. Global events. Changing relationships with our neighbours and trading partners. Organizations restructuring and reviewing how they work. And, of course, the relentless stream of news, opinions, predictions and notifications arriving in the palms of our hands.
Even without little ones to get off to school or a daily commute to navigate, I can feel it.
And somewhere in the middle of all that noise, I found myself asking
What on earth can I do?
We can't control everything happening around us. But we can decide how we care for ourselves, how we treat one another, what we stand for, and where we choose to put our energy.
Here are a few things to consider:
Stay true to your values: When everything around you feels uncertain, your values can become your anchor. What matters to you? What are you unwilling to compromise? What kind of woman, friend, partner, colleague, neighbour or community member do you want to be? You don't have to have every answer. Sometimes knowing what you stand for is enough to help ground you.
Protect your peace: Turn off the television for a day. Put your phone down. Go for a walk and notice that the leaves really are changing. Have coffee with someone who makes you laugh. Cook something you love. Sit quietly. Read a book. Get outside. Spend time with your partner, your family, your friends — or spend an afternoon entirely by yourself. Caring for yourself isn't ignoring what's happening in the world. Sometimes it is what allows you to keep showing up in it.
Practice gratitude: Not the kind that asks us to pretend everything is wonderful when it isn't. The kind that reminds us that difficult things and beautiful things can exist at the same time. Look for the people, experiences, places and little rituals that make you feel connected and grounded. Hold onto them. Tell people you love them. Laugh loudly. Notice the good stuff.
Use your voice: As women, it is worth remembering that many of the rights we exercise today were fought for by women who came before us. The right to vote. The right to participate fully in public life. The right to make decisions about our lives, our bodies and our futures. The right to have our voices heard. Those rights matter. And exercising them matters too. Voting is one way to use your voice.
Give yourself a little grace: You don't have to carry the weight of the whole world. You don't need to consume every headline, solve every problem or have an opinion ready for every issue. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do during uncertain times is to take a step back. Please remember that taking care of yourself isn't stepping away from the world. It’s making sure you have enough of yourself left to give.
So, as we move into another season — one that may bring more change, more uncertainty and undoubtedly a few surprises — maybe we don't need to know exactly what's coming next. Maybe we simply need to know what we value, who we love, and what we stand for.
Your health matters.
Your wellness matters.
Your peace matters.
Your rights matters.
Your voice matters.
You matter.
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