When the World Feels Uncertain
Sensitivity isn’t a weakness, it’s how we survive and stay human.
Today’s headlines about market crashes stir up waves of fear, anger, and sadness within me. I’ve been thinking a lot about my time working at a food bank shortly after the 2008 financial crisis. I vividly recall the confusion, shame, and disbelief of people who did everything "right.” They built careers and worked diligently, yet still found themselves in need of help to meet their most basic needs, such as food. Their fear for the future felt tangible. Their tears were heartbreaking. They had done nothing wrong; the world around them changed in a way no one was prepared for.
During that time, a coworker taught me something invaluable when it felt like everything was crumbling: the simple yet profound act of giving genuine compliments to everyone she encountered. "The color you're wearing really brings out your eyes," she'd say sincerely, creating a brief yet powerful moment of true human connection amid the fear. Her ability to give a genuine and heartfelt compliment to everyone was a gift to witness.
If I had a magic wand to take away the fear, uncertainty, and pain that so many are feeling today, I’d use it in a heartbeat. Since I don’t, here’s what I can offer instead: gentle reminders and practices that can help when the world feels overwhelming.
Gentle Ways to Ground Yourself
Engage in meaningful action: Support causes or communities that align with your values. Helping others can reconnect us with our own sense of purpose.
Share genuine kindness: A thoughtful compliment can brighten someone’s entire day. If possible, offer that same kindness to yourself.
Feel your feelings fully and gently: Emotions are messengers, not mandates. When you can, pause before reacting. Use mindfulness or movement to help process what’s rising. Your feelings have messages and gifts for you:
Anger may signal that a boundary has been crossed. Its gift is strength, assertiveness, and energy.
Fear may alert you to something unsafe. Its gift is protection, wisdom, and preservation.
Pain may show you what’s been hurt or feels sad. Its gift is awareness and healing.
Passion may signal enthusiasm or desire. Its gift is vitality and excitement.
Having trouble feeling your feelings? That’s okay. Sometimes, disconnection is our nervous system's way of protecting us. Numbness doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong, it means your system is wise.
Set boundaries with news and social media: Stay informed, but not overwhelmed. Choose when and how you consume information. For some, that means no news after 5 p.m. For others, it’s taking a walk after reading the headlines. Experiment with what works best for you.
Move: Physical movement can help your body release energy and emotions. Go for a walk, stretch, or dance and sing to a song that matches your mood.
Rest: Your well-being matters. Pause when you need to avoid burnout because your presence and wisdom are needed in the world.
Find moments of joy: Watch the squirrels busy with their springtime tasks. Rewatch your favorite show. Sit with someone who feels safe. Joy doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful.
Ask for help: There is courage in honoring your needs. If you’re curious about counseling and cost is a concern, places like the ISU Meridian Clinic (where I interned) offer affordable options. Reach out if you’d like help finding resources.
In uncertain times, connection, compassion, and creativity are powerful anchors. May you offer yourself kindness today, and may you find moments of ease and grace amid the uncertainty.
Mr. Rogers’ gentle advice is fitting for this moment in history: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
May you find reassurance in noticing the helpers around you, and when the time is right, may you have the energy to be someone else's helper as well.