Quote of the day:

“You are so weak. Give up to grace.
The ocean takes care of each wave till it gets to shore.
You need more help than you know.”
― Rumi, The Essential Rumi

In June, as torrential rains drove across Minnesota day after day and I watched the devastation of floods spread through farms and cities across the state I had a hard time finding something to be hopeful about.

Along with the weather woes, the inflammatory bowel disease that plagued me for much of the year flared with a vengeance. All plans were on hold as I lived with the pain and disruption that this chronic illness causes.

When I looked at the news from around the world it was difficult to not feel an overwhelming sense of sadness and loss.

At some point I realized

You need more help than you know

There are so many things over which I have no control, including weather, wars, hunger, destruction of the environment, violence against women, racism, climate change, illness, and more.

Some days I feel as if those of us who live privileged lives in the United States—those of us with plenty of food, more than adequate shelter, excellent educations, meaningful work, and more stuff than we know what to do with—are living in a make-believe world ready to crash in on our children and grandchildren.

What can I do? What can any one person do? As I contemplate that question, I have no answer except

Give yourself up to Grace

Let go of the need to control the outcome of everything in your life.

Control is the great illusion

Find something to laugh about.

Laughter is a great healer

Ask for help.

Friends and family and even complete strangers are more than willing to lend a hand

Let yourself feel all your feelings, even the despair and sadness.

When heard and validated, emotions heal

Be compassionate and kind to yourself and others.

Choose love, not fear

Be open to what the universe will bring you.

Remember that you and everyone are made of star dust

Take one step. Make one small change. Do one kind deed.

Do the next right thing

Look for beauty. Look for the good. Feel gratitude for all that is.

May you walk in beauty.