“Tragedies That Remind Us What Matters”

In the past two weeks alone, tragic floods have swept across places we love – devastating Central Texas, overwhelming Plainfield, New Jersey and turning everyday streets into waterscapes in New York City and beyond. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed and families left shaken.

In times like these it’s easy to feel helpless, not knowing what to do or how to help, but here’s what I’ve learned: we are a tapestry woven by shared stories of loss, grief and the necessity to reach out. 

These tragedies are more than weather events – they are reminders. Tragedy shouldn’t be the only reason that we step closer to one another. What if we gathered together and put our differences aside before the storms? What if kindness, empathy and understanding weren’t reserved for emergencies or tragedies, but simply became our everyday way of living?

Let today be a reminder to reach out to someone who lives alone, send a message of thanks to your community first responders or simply share your umbrella with someone who needs it without being asked. 

Every act of kindness matters, whether that’s a comforting meal, a check-in call, or donating to local relief.

Unity doesn’t and shouldn’t just begin in disaster. It grows every single time that we choose to show up. Let tragedy remind us of who we are. 

We are human beings who hurt together, heal together and hold each other always, not just when the skies open up.

Let’s build our bridges together as human beings now, not just in floods. 

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“When Tensions Run High”

When one person lives alone during a quarantine, they can get lonely.

When one person lives with a few other people during a quarantine, they can get frustrated.

We’re living in uncertain times right now and I know that social distancing and staying at home can get to some people because I know it gets to me every now and again, especially living with three other people.

Patience is definitely a virtue and one that is tested, sometimes on a daily basis, when you’re living with other people, but that doesn’t mean that it will turn into a battle…unless you let it.

I’m used to being alone most of the day so having three other people in the house with me 24/7 has definitely disrupted my routine and there are moments I want the television turned off and the computers turned down. My patience is tested when one has a problem with another, or one stays up all night when the rest are trying to sleep, or when one always has the volume on high while others are reading or resting.

So, what do I do?

I remind myself that this is a gift. It’s a gift of “time” to spend with the ones I love, time to relax with them, laugh with them, and talk with them. I remind myself that I’m blessed to be here with them and am reminded to reach out to friends and family that are home alone.

I remind myself that “flaws are flavorful” and that none of us are perfect. 

I remind myself that lack of sleep will test even the most patient person and that having a roof over my head, food on the table and a bed to sleep in each night will definitely put things into perspective.

And I remind myself that when tensions are running high and patience wears thin, I can go outside alone to sit under the stars or in the warmth of the sun. I can find a quiet spot in my home to sit by myself and find my balance again or I can put on my headphones and listen to music.

I remind myself that what is going on outside of my front door and in this world right now is far more important than the tensions that my flare up now and again or the patience that wears thin. We can change those things.

And the only way we’re going to change the outcome of this virus is by staying home.

I know it’s hard sometimes but it’s important to remind yourself that “you’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home.”

And if you’re lucky, you’re safe at home with the people you love.

Stay calm. Stay safe. Stay home.

Love the ones you’re with and reach out to the ones that are alone.

It’s a good thing.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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