The dust of the recent U.S. election may be settling, but for many, the emotions it stirred are still very much alive. Times like these can bring a whirlwind of feelings: anxiety, hope, frustration, and anticipation all rolled into one. In moments of turbulence, finding calm may seem like a luxury, but it’s actually a necessity. In fact, it’s what we need most, not just for ourselves but for those around us.
This moment invites us to remember the profound lesson that some things are simply beyond our control. But there is beauty in acknowledging this: it allows us to pour our energy into the areas we can influence. For those of us in the field of communication, leadership, or anyone simply looking to lead a life of peace, hope, joy, love, and gratitude, here are five mindful ways to find your center:
1. Look Up: Finding Perspective
It’s easy to get bogged down by the day-to-day news cycles and opinions that swirl around us. By looking up, I mean stepping back to gain a higher perspective. Imagine standing atop a mountain, looking at the larger landscape of life. What are the things that endure? What matters most? Faith, family, friendship, and community are constant, guiding stars that remind us that while politics shift, certain values remain steady.
Find solace in something bigger than yourself, whatever that may be—a belief system, the power of nature, or simply the shared human experience. Taking the long view helps remind us that we’ve weathered storms before, and we’ll do it again.
2. Look Back: Learning from the Past
Reflecting on our personal and collective histories can bring perspective and resilience. We’ve encountered challenges, faced uncertainties, and emerged stronger on the other side. Think of past moments of hardship in your life. How did you respond? What did you learn?
The key is not to dwell on regrets or losses, but rather to extract the lessons. Remembering our growth and resilience over time reinforces our strength in facing today’s uncertainty. This is an ideal time to journal, capture lessons learned, and appreciate how far you’ve come.
3. Look Around: Connecting with Community
When the world feels overwhelming, sometimes the best thing to do is to focus on those closest to us. Looking around means appreciating the people in our lives, from family and friends to neighbors and colleagues. When we feel disconnected from a larger system or a society that seems chaotic, our immediate connections remind us of the love and belonging that grounds us.
Reach out. Share an encouraging message, volunteer, or simply listen. Every person we interact with is carrying their own burden. Connection can bring a surprising amount of relief—not just for those around you, but for yourself as well. This sense of togetherness reminds us that we are not alone.
4. Look Down: Focusing on the Present
Often, we’re pulled toward the future, anxious about things that may or may not happen. But grounding ourselves in the present can provide the calm we’re looking for. “Looking down” means being in the here and now, appreciating the small moments, and taking one step at a time.
Whether it’s savoring a quiet morning coffee, spending a few moments meditating, or simply breathing deeply, there is power in grounding yourself. Pause, breathe, and allow yourself to simply be. The world may be hectic, but each moment we live is an opportunity to find peace in the present.
5. Look Ahead: Holding Onto Hope
We all crave certainty, and the future can feel daunting, especially in times of change. But looking ahead with a sense of hope allows us to envision the future we want to see. Rather than worrying about what we can’t control, focus on the possibilities that exist within your reach. What do you want to create, support, or champion?
Having a vision, however small, gives us something to work towards. It keeps us moving forward with purpose, resilience, and hope. And while we may not have control over everything, we can always control how we respond, how we contribute, and how we live our values.
A Final Word: Embrace Peace, Hope, Joy, Love, and Gratitude
In a world that sometimes feels more divided than united, we can make the choice to show up differently. Peace, hope, joy, love, and gratitude aren’t just words—they’re choices we make, moments we create, and energies we share. When we embody these qualities, we spread them to others, creating a ripple effect that can bring much-needed calm and kindness to our communities.
So today, and every day, let’s remind ourselves: control what you can, let go of what you cannot, and take comfort in knowing that we’re all on this journey together. Look up, look back, look around, look down, and look ahead. The path may be uncertain, but our hearts can always lead the way.
