Times of Turmoil and Crossing the Rubicon

Whether you believe that chaos and upheaval have reached unprecedented levels in the last four months, four years, 40 years, or 400 years, one thing is certain—life inevitably brings loss and profound change. While it’s true that nothing is permanent, as many philosophies remind us, our minds often crave stability and predictability, even when we claim to embrace change.

Even those who thrive on change usually have a preference for a certain type or pace of it. When that threshold is exceeded, we may find ourselves overwhelmed—disoriented, grieving, angry, or uncertain about what comes next.

Finding Perspective in Uncertain Times

I find it helpful to take a broader view of life’s inevitable ups and downs. Everything—both joyful and painful—eventually passes. Seasons change, tides rise and fall, forests renew, and even the stars shift over time. Change is woven into the fabric of existence.

I remember a time when I received two unrelated medical test results that raised serious concerns. My first thought was, Oh no, this is it. Then I had the same thought again, but with a different weight: This is really it.

Sitting on my back porch, looking out at the forest, I reminded myself to return to the present moment. Right then and there, I had everything I needed. The future was unknown, but at that moment, I had a choice: to surrender to fear or to accept whatever lay ahead with clarity and presence.

In the end, the scare passed, but the experience left me with a profound realization—I may not control what happens, but I always have the power to choose how I respond.

The Difference Between Resignation and Acceptance

There’s a critical distinction between resignation and acceptance. Resignation is giving up and surrendering to fate. Acceptance, on the other hand, is recognizing what we can and cannot control and fully engaging with what is in front of us with intention and integrity.

That medical scare seems small in hindsight compared to other challenges I’ve faced, such as the loss of my beloved husband and the life I had envisioned for myself. Yet, the lesson remains the same—how we respond to hardship shapes our path forward. Clarity and presence enable us to tap into our emotional, mental, and even physical resilience, helping us navigate difficult terrain.

Right now, life may feel less like choppy waters and more like a tidal wave. But the same principles apply. In fact, life’s most valuable lessons become even more relevant when challenges intensify. Clarity in tough moments not only helps us survive but also opens the door to new wisdom, insights, and practices that allow us to rise above circumstances we never imagined facing.

The Strength Within Us

I know that many people are struggling right now. And I also know that we are stronger than we often give ourselves credit for. We are human. We are imperfect. We are always learning. And yet, we are also resilient, resourceful, and capable of reaching deeper within ourselves than we ever thought possible.

We don’t have to do it alone—nor should we. In times of hardship, we can come together, not in competition, but in solidarity. We can rise above fear, grief, and trauma—not just for ourselves, but for each other. True interdependence means recognizing that we are better together, not in spite of our differences, but because of them.

When times are hard, it’s easy to fall into blame—toward others, toward the world, even toward ourselves. But none of us is purely responsible for what happens, just as none of us is entirely innocent. To see only our failures or only our virtues is to miss the bigger picture of how deeply interconnected we all are.

Resilience Essential Reads

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The Unexpected Joy of Being Bad at Something

Moving Forward With Purpose

I hope we each find a way to move through grief, fear, and uncertainty toward the deeper wisdom within us. Our future—both individually and collectively—depends on our ability to shift from reactivity to intentional, purposeful action.

I invite you to find strength in your family, your community, or whatever gives you a sense of purpose beyond yourself. Seek out gatherings and conversations that support your growth and help you embrace the unexpected lessons that emerge from life’s hardships.

Change is inevitable. Instability will come and go. But within it all, we have the power to shape our responses, forge resilience, and discover the strength we never knew we had.