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Finding The Strength to Move Forward in a Challenging World

January 22, 20256 min read

Hello Resilient One,

We are living in a time that demands our full attention—a time to acknowledge the new world unfolding around us, no matter how unsettling it may feel. Pretending everything is fine only deepens our disconnection and delays the inner work we’re being called to do. The sunlight, however faint, reminds us that a path forward exists. It’s a moment to look to that light, confront the shifts within and around us with bravery, and take a big leap of faith so that we might step toward a brighter future together.

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Taking The Next Higher Step

Please take a moment to read the following by Marianne Williamson. It captures the essence of the the recent political events and the world today, the frequency of the unknown that we can all relate to, but we are also here, living in this time that will call to our souls to become something more. It’s a deep reach when you are drowning in the sorrows of estrangement, I know, but we must choose to take that higher step every day.

The Importance of Going Within

Marianne Williamson is a well-known spiritual teacher, author, and activist, whose political views blend progressive ideals with her spiritual philosophy. It doesn't matter if you agree with her politically or not, I'm incorporating her words in this blog post because she often emphasizes the importance of inner spiritual work as part of social change, which sets her apart from more conventional political figures. Here's what she recently has to say...

Given things that happened recently - particularly executive orders that will cause pain and havoc in the lives of so many people and lead to increased destructiveness to the natural environment - there might be some very sad days ahead of us. Many will close their eyes and simply shut down, which I cannot judge. It’s painful to watch the torching of our national good by someone simultaneously exhorting us to greatness.

Watching the inauguration was like watching a funeral. If you felt something very weird was going on there, you’re right. We’re going to have to dig very deep into our souls in order to transmute all this.

It’s simultaneously sundown and sunrise. The resistance today is very different than in 2016. It’s a slow burning, quiet, fierce fire that feels like it’s tearing up our insides, but actually it’s tearing up whatever part of us that needs to burn off in order for us to respond adequately to this moment. It’s easy to see the right now, not only at what’s happening but at those who in their arrogance allowed this to happen. But that is not the answer.

woman standing in sun light

Honor your process - rest when you need to rest and take a break when you need to take a break - but follow the dictates of your conscience and proceed in the direction of miracles.

Yes, this is sunset. But it is sunrise too. Let’s do everything we can to shine the Light.

"There is no order of difficulty in miracles"

- A Course In Miracles

Processing Collective Grief and Anger Without Losing Hope

Marianne Williamson's comment reminds us that even in times of perceived darkness, there is an opportunity to grow, respond with love and consciousness, and work toward something greater.

In times of collective crisis—whether political, social, or environmental—the weight of grief and anger can feel overwhelming, especially when personal challenges, like family estrangement, add another layer of pain. Family estrangement can intensify the feelings of loss and isolation during times of national or global upheaval, as it reflects a deeper disconnect that mirrors larger societal divisions. The grief we experience in these personal fractures often feels intertwined with the collective sorrow, creating a sense of emotional overwhelm. However, it’s crucial to remember that while these emotions are difficult, they also hold the potential for transformation and renewal.

The Nature of Collective Grief, Anger, and Family Estrangement

Collective grief is the sorrow we share as a community when we witness injustice or suffering. It can feel just as sharp and profound as the grief we experience from losing family connections or watching loved ones walk away. In both cases, we feel the pain of division—whether in society or within our families. Anger often accompanies this grief. We may feel anger at the systems or individuals responsible for the hurt, and in cases of family estrangement, we may also feel frustration with ourselves or those who have distanced themselves.

woman walking away in forest to sunlight

Anger is Fears Father

Yet, this anger, if deeply understood, can be a powerful motivator for healing. According to A Course in Miracles, "anger is fears father", so it runs deep and if not processed healthily, it can easily lead to bitterness or even reinforce and prolong estrangement. Grief, too, has a role to play—it is a sign of what we care about and what we have lost, whether in personal relationships or as a society. When acknowledged and healed, grief can lead to greater compassion, empathy, and resilience.

The Dangers of Losing Hope

When grief and anger pile up—whether from the turmoil of the world or the pain of estranged relationships—it can be easy to slip into hopelessness. The sorrow of both personal and collective losses can make us feel that everything is falling apart, leaving us stuck in a place of despair. But it is crucial to remember that hope is a choice. Hope is not passive—it’s an active decision to believe that transformation is possible, even when the path ahead seems unclear.

In cases of family estrangement, this hope may manifest as the decision to leave the door open for reconciliation or to work on healing ourselves, regardless of the outcome. In times of societal grief, hope might come from recognizing that small acts of change, compassion, and connection can eventually lead to larger societal shifts. Losing hope keeps us stagnant, but even the smallest step toward healing—whether personally or collectively—can rekindle that spark of hope.

Renewed Hope in the Face of Crisis

Indeed we are living in a time that demands our full attention—a time to dig really deep within and face the unknown with honesty and courage, especially in the face of personal challenges like family estrangement. The duality of sunset and sunrise reminds us that every ending holds the seed of a new beginning. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we have the power to transform destruction and pain into growth and renewal. Though the path may feel overwhelming, the light of the Son illuminates the way forward, calling us to embrace hope, rebuild connections, and take the next step toward a brighter future.

In the face of family estrangement or collective societal grief, processing anger and sorrow without losing hope is vital for personal and collective healing. By acknowledging our emotions, channeling them into action, and embracing the duality of despair and hope, we open ourselves up to transformation.

sunrise on road ahead

Hope is not about ignoring pain; it is about trusting that the light will come, even in the darkest moments.

The light of the sun not only promises the beginning of a new day but also illuminates the path before us, revealing the steps we can take to move forward. It reminds us that, even in the face of uncertainty, there is hope and possibility if we choose to see it. Living in dread or despair keeps us stuck, but stepping into the light with bravery allows us to create a brighter future together. We’re all in this together, and the choice to move forward with hope and determination is ours to make.

"Out of difficulties grow miracles."

- Jean de La Bruyère

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