Working Through Chaos While Working Through Chaos

Hi. Welcome to Bloom Anywhere. I'm Gwen Moran, a writer, editor, author, and problem-solver. My goal is to share information, ideas, and resources to help you overcome obstacles, reach your goals, and find more joy in life, even when things are messy. Thanks for joining me. (If you got this from a friend, subscribe here: Bloom Anywhere.) I'd love your feedback and suggestions for future topics. Please send me an email: connect@bloomanywhere.com.

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Last week, I wrote about conserving personal energy, especially in the face of challenges. That’s important, but there was more I didn’t write. And it's been bothering me.

The world feels heavy now. An onslaught of chaotic, violent, disturbing news floods us through nearly all media like a mighty current. Layoffs and economic uncertainty threaten livelihoods at a time when so many aspects of our lives are more expensive. Families and friendships are being torn apart as differences in world views and morality emerge. And that’s before the personal curveballs that life can throw at us.

If you’re feeling some combination of exhausted, afraid, sad, defeated, or angry about all of it, you’re not alone. It’s a trying time, and some of us find it hard to focus. After all, who knew that we’d still have to worry about productivity and billable hours when it feels like the world is crumbling around us? Are we really supposed to just turn back to our work after watching a woman die from being shot in the face? Do we still have to do that Zoom presentation if our country has just invaded another? Is “shocked and devastated by how hateful people can be” an HR-approved reason to take a sick day?

A Little Escape

The state of the world has worn on me for some time. And while it feels like it’s irresponsible to look away from what’s going on, I also know that my body will react badly to sustained high-stress levels. As I have written before, I have been working in my community, using my time and talents to make a difference for people suffering. I can’t do that if I am sick or exhausted from stress. So, it’s my responsibility to take a break, even if it feels uncomfortable.

We all have people and places that let us recharge. And we need that now, even if we think we don’t have or can’t take the time.

Heading to the water is my first instinct. I’m fortunate to have access to an indoor pool at my gym, and I live near the ocean. Swimming has become an important part of my life. And simply driving to the ocean and sitting on a boardwalk bench or even in my car, looking out over the watery expanse, helps quiet my mind.

Gathering with people helps me, too. A few recent meals with like-minded friends gave me important reminders of each other’s humanity and how good it feels to connect with others. Last week, I was with a group of like-minded friends. Although no one set ground rules, we didn’t discuss current events or politics at all. We talked about good food, movies, and books. We talked about our kids and funny stories from our lives. We laughed and ate delicious food. It was delicious-in-every-way respite for a few hours. For my extroverted self, this is essential care. Introverts may need less of it, but we all need face time with other people in appropriate doses. Find the people who can provide the company you need.

Immersing myself in art helps, too. Reading or listening to books. Wandering through a museum gallery or an art park like Grounds for Sculpture reminds me of how much creativity, beauty, and expression there are in the world. Even when the art is dark or shocking, I am reminded that the collective “we”—we as humans and we as individuals—have made it through dark times before. And sometimes we need to disappear for a few hours. Call out, tag out, or take a time-out for ourselves.

These “hall passes” from the world’s tumult and horror aren’t cure-alls. But they’re enough to remind me of the good in the world and to give my body and mind the respite it needs to keep going.

Where Do You Find Respite?

Bloom Anywhere is about thriving, even in the face of challenges, hardship, or general messiness. I want you to find joy where you can. Tell me: How do you find relief when you’re feeling the weight of the world? I’d love to hear your go-tos for a round-up in a future newsletter. Send me an email at connect@bloomanywhere.com.

Bloom Drops

Things I want to share with you.

Escaping: Looking for a great escape near you? There are so many options. Here is a directory of art parks and sculpture gardens in the U.S. and Condé Nast Traveler rounded up the most beautiful place in every state. (This could be a fun debate.) Can’t make it the Metropolitan Museum of Art in person? No worries. Travel + Leisure rounded up the best virtual museum tours you can take from your couch.