The marvelous truth teller at Tales From The Motherland inspired this post when she replied to my comment on her blog that she feels “like she’s writing into a void right now.” I know my way around the void. I’ve been there many times. There’s nothing to lean on as you try to get your bearings. A long blank stare into the space around you reveals no exit. To get a better view, you have to traverse a ghostly expanse of unfamiliar terrain. There is a window, barely perceptible, in the distance. All you have to do is reach it and climb out.
The old, “when a door closes, a window opens,” is a tried and true platitude, but I prefer a more direct route out of the void. We are all trying to adapt to what is happening in the world around us. Modern society is experiencing a critical need for integrity, compassion, and accountability on a global scale. This moment is pivotal, publicly and personally, but it is not without precedent as so many seem to think.
Current events forcing us to reevaluate life in ways we haven’t had to before are no more daunting than past events. Recorded history provides us with examples of how disease, disenfranchisement, atrocities, and brutality have forced people to endure suffering and despair. There has never been a more important time to understand history. Knowledge of the past can help us navigate the present and build resilience for the future.
Resilience is a quality that is built over time. It requires an ability to pay attention to our own well-being. This is not selfishness. On the contrary, it increases our capacity to serve others. Four things that are vital to my well-being in this moment are:
- Creativity
- Purpose
- Gratitude
- Respect
Are you searching for a way out of the void? Be encouraged. You are not alone.
Honie Briggs 
So compelling and thoughtful in the current times. Thank you for sharing so we feel less “void” knowing others are experiencing the same.
We’re all in this together, Sandy. Thanks for your comment.
I am so touched (and honored) that you would mention me in your post. It means a lot. And your post is deeply moving and inspiring––such truth and value, in so few words. “For the record, you’ve got mad editing skills, despite your self-deprecating response (I am Teflon™); your video is amazing! I needed this today… and yesterday, oh, and probably tomorrow, again. Thanks, friend! ♥
You deserve the thanks, Dawn. You helped turn a sad sack rant into something better. Writing into a void is a tough gig for a writer of your caliber. It made me think of waiting in that void for inspiration. That’s where this post started. Much editing later, this is where it fell. Your kind remarks made my day! Best~~♥️
One of these days, it would be wonderful to sit down across a table (or side by side on the grass) and explore conversations that start here. I so admire you, Stephanie!
It’s a date!
Great 4-part mental wellness list. Even in non-COVID times, those are all essential to happiness.
COVID is becoming a brand. A snake oil marketer’s dream come true. Face masks are in vogue and my video editing skills are equivalent to a third grader with an iPad. Happiness is still a ways off, Mr. Petruska.
Great message to start the day, thank you. These are all important points, resilience, self-awareness, attention to history.
You’ve inspired me to make a list of four things that are vital to my well-being today.
Thank you. Stay well!
It’s Monday again. Another week filled with possibilities. I hope yours is a good one!