“During these turbulent times we must remind ourselves repeatedly that life goes on… it is just as important as ever to attend to the little graces by which the dignity of our lives is maintained and sustained. Birds still sing; the stars continue to cast their gentle gleam over the desolation of the battlefields, and the heart is still inspired by the kind word and the gracious deed.”

– Howard Thurman

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I recently spoke at a corporate event (you can book me, I’m fun!) and hung back for a bit to chat with some the attendees afterward. One kind soul came up to me and asked for my opinion on an inner battle she was experiencing. 

To sum it up, she said: 

“I have a few different passions and hobbies that I want to explore, but it all feels a bit pointless given the current political climate. How do you stay inspired to keep creating beautiful things during times like these?”

I was THRILLED for the chance to explain to her why “times like these” are exactly why we need as many beautiful things as possible.

It’s understandable to feel so grieved by the state of the world that joy seems like a frivolous pursuit. Some of us think to ourselves, “why should I experience any happiness when there’s so much suffering?” 

Now, while I get the intent of this mindset, it’s a one-way ticket to despondency and despair. TRUST ME.

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“I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence.”

– Toni Morrison

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What do you gravitate toward when you’re feeling overwhelmed or discouraged? I try a few different things, like:

• Putting on my go-to playlist
• Taking walks in the park
• Buying fresh flowers
• Reading historical fiction or devotionals
• Sitting in pretty coffee shops
• Visiting the museum (I just got a membership!)

Now imagine with me, for a moment, that the people who create these beautiful art pieces, spaces, and small businesses decided that the world was too dark to keep making beautiful things. No more hand-crafted chai lattes with flower petals sprinkled on top? No more art exhibits or heart-stopping novels? No more music??? I literally cannot imagine a life like this.

These are our little graces. 

The experiences that bring you joy, moments of serendipity, your hobbies and crafts and callings–these are, in the words of Howard Thurman, how “the dignity of our lives is maintained and sustained.” I’ve often found myself impacted by the smile of a stranger, the prose on a page, and the warmth of a kind interaction when I walk into a flower shop. These moments breathe LIFE into my days. YOU breathe life into people’s days.

I want show you the wallpaper that I currently use on my work phone (feel free to screenshot/download it if you want it). It’s a reminder of this very message we’re talking about today: 

We’re not all politicians, international affairs analysts, or non-profit leaders. Yet, the ways we show up each day and the beauty we flood the world with have the power to spark hope in someone who’s just trying to make it through another day.

Don’t let despondency rob the world of the gift that is your unique contribution.