Wow, friend. It’s been quite a week, hasn’t it? Perhaps quite a year as well. And the universe always has surprises up its sleeve. For me, this week, on a positive note, one of them was learning that a couple of my Florida reps actually voted down bills that would have provided ICE funding. I can’t tell you how many times the voices in my head have told me that calling my Florida reps is an exercise in futility, because I am generally appalled by where their priorities are and their deference to the current big cheese. 

And yet this week, they stood with Democrats, and I am shook. What an incredible reminder that we never know when our efforts might pay off!

How are you handling the onslaught of news? My network mainly straddles two countries, so I feel well-versed in both where my friends in the United States are at and where my Canadian friends are at, in many ways. And frankly, we are all concerned about our governments, rising restrictions and even the possibility that our northern friend could emulate our friend to the south in the not-too-distant future. 

Today I am pondering the ways that life is made easier and better when we focus on the small details of life. When I stop and recognize what’s right in front of me, I’m not thinking about what I need to fear in our future. I’m not thinking about the horrendous horrors that have already happened around the world. Instead, I’m finding magic in the minutiae. 

I notice a bird overhead. I listen to its song. I notice the way the blue sky behind it offers color contrast. 

I hear the crunch of ice or feel the squishy slush texture of the melting snow beneath my feet. 

I study the details of the beautiful ceramic fake flower on my shelf, a long-ago gift from my grandmother’s home. 

I listen to the sound of our new, efficient heat pump, grateful to be warm and cozy inside a home that we love. 

Photo of the northern lights in pinks and peaches by Ryan Klaus

My eye is drawn to a beautiful print, a gift from a friend honoring me as a director of an a cappella, barbershop chorus. 

I feel the warmth of my sweet cat, nestled against me in her tent of blankets. 

There are magical moments everywhere, if we stop to look for them. If there’s a moment to breathe, a break from pain, a morsel of food to enjoy, a hand to hold, a moment to lay down, an animal saying hello, our lives are rich. 

Even amidst despair, there is light to be found. That’s why we keep going on, even when the end isn’t guaranteed or clear. I know we are hearing and seeing glimpses (and for some of us, maybe much, much more) of some of the worst of humanity and life. And yet, finding magic in the minutiae is a way to treasure some of the best things life has to offer. Simple moments, simple beauty, simple joy. Worth a pause and an acknowledgement. 

Feel like a pipe dream? I 100% get it. There is NOTHING wrong with you if you’re struggling to find the light and the joy right now. 

If you’d like to join me for an opportunity to learn some mental fitness skills and find how to be happy with the life you’re living, even in challenging times, head here. 
You can also visit my website to learn more about me. I’m a speaker, performing artist, coach and mental fitness trainer. Thanks for stopping by.