Hi all,

I’ve decided that for the month of June, I’m going to try a new writing approach. I’m going to spend twenty minutes each day focusing on one thing in my life that nourishes me, steadies me, or helps me regain perspective.

As a country, we have been walking through a difficult time lately, and it’s easy to succumb to cynicism and fear. It’s also easy to feel out of control in a world that often seems beyond our control. Not to mention the more personal concerns that accompany us through life: aging, health challenges, family worries, financial pressures, and countless other issues that can surface on a tough day.

As many of you know, I have returned to my psychotherapy practice after a time away while still continuing my writing coaching business. On any given day, I find myself listening to people’s worries, whether they are clients, students, friends, or family members. One question comes up again and again:

How do we cope when life feels uncertain and off-kilter?

Over the years, I’ve learned that climbing onto the hamster wheel of worry rarely helps. When I find myself faced with concerns, I do my best to consciously turn my attention toward something that steadies me. Sometimes I say a prayer. Sometimes I repeat a simple, healing phrase. Sometimes I go for a walk, sit under a tree, listen to music, cook, or lose myself in a good book. I deliberately turn my thoughts toward something that brings a measure of peace, beauty, comfort, or joy.

Not because the problem disappears.

It doesn’t.

But the distance often helps me regain perspective.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that I don’t always have the power to change a difficult situation. What I can do is pay attention to the things that help me maintain my balance as I walk through it.

Taking time each day to turn my attention to what is good, beautiful, meaningful, funny, or true helps me remember that life is bigger than what troubles me in the moment. It reminds me that difficult periods are rarely the whole story.

So, for the month of June, I’m going to write about the places, rituals, people, memories, and everyday experiences that help me do exactly that.

I hope you’ll join me.

And if you’re inclined, I’d love to hear in the comments what helps you regain perspective when life feels difficult. What nourishes you? What helps you find your footing again?