Keep the Light

"One of the greatest challenges of being alive: to witness the injustice of this world and not allow it to consume our light.”

This quote speaks to a major value of You Are Important Project. How can we witness all these injustices—of war, famine, denial of basic human rights and freedoms and still have a full heart?

We can get deep in a rabbit hole of anger and anxiety when we see these injustices or have them done to us. 

How then, can we keep our light?

I truly believe in the notion that it starts with you. When we feel overwhelmed, we subsequently feel completely out of control. Feeling out of control is scary. But we do have control over some things – and that’s where we need to shift our focus.

I am not suggesting we don’t acknowledge that we are human and don’t allow ourselves to feel pain. What I am suggesting is that we hold space and acknowledge that we all suffer in our own ways.  We understand that pain is an inevitable part of life. Holding space and practicing compassion is a great gift and something we can offer to ourselves or anyone at any time.

Quick exercise: Grab a blank sheet of paper and make two columns or two bubbles. Label one ‘Things in my control’ and label the other ‘Things out of my control’. Write down a few things related to your anxiety and see how that helps you shift your perspective.

Here’s my example:
Things I can control: where I place my attention, making time to write this lovely e-mail letter to you

Things I can’t control: the political climate, the pandemic, having to isolate away from my family for the holiday because I am sick

Furthermore, ask yourself: How can I be that person everyone needs in a time of crisis or anxiety? How can I be the person that I need in a time of crisis?

We can control our reactions to people and external events. If someone accidentally spills coffee on us, we can choose to be calm and see that it was an accident. If we notice a stranger who is carrying heavy bags, we can take two minutes to help them by grabbing a bag or by holding the door for them. It’s the little things we do everyday that make a big difference in people’s lives. Tell someone you like their shoes–or better yet–tell them you think they have a great sense of style. 

We can choose to be kind and connect authentically with others. This ripples outward.

In conclusion, kindness and compassion are our superpower. It's something in our control everyday. This is how we can keep our light. Each time you are feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world, tap into your superpower. Your light can shine on others’ darkness and help them see humanity. You can be the humanity we all need. This is an act of true courage.