Feeling Unheard

Now I know this is not one of our traditional posts, but I think that this needs to be said with everything going on in the world right now. 

 I think there have been plenty of times where we have felt invisible, overlooked, and just flat out exhausted overall. There have been several things going on this year, and it's only the second week of February. Now it's normal to feel this overwhelming sensation of exhaustion when there are many things going on in our lives and around the world. The major factor in all of this is what do we do, when we experience this sensation? Do we address it head on? Do we ignore it and pray this feeling will go away? It would be so much easier if we could just know the answer to these questions instead of feeling so helpless and lost. 

Ever since this year started we have seen a barrage of events from around the world, a potential ceasefire in Gaza, wildfires in California, planes crashing in different states, and even the massive Superbowl with a historic win from the Eagles. With all of these events unfolding before our eyes, it’s no wonder that so many of us feel drained before the year has even truly begun. The world moves at an exhausting pace, constantly throwing new crises, tragedies, and historic moments at us, leaving little time to process one before the next takes over the headlines. It’s overwhelming, to say the least.

But in the midst of this chaos, we have to ask ourselves—how do we cope? How do we hold space for the world’s problems while also managing our own? There is no perfect answer, no one-size-fits-all solution to navigating these heavy emotions. Some of us choose to disconnect for a while, tuning out the noise to focus on our own well-being. Others dive in headfirst, seeking ways to help, whether through activism, donations, or simply spreading awareness. And then there are those who, understandably, just try to survive day by day, doing the best they can with what they have.

And that’s okay.

The pressure to always be engaged, to always care, to always take action is a heavy burden to bear. But the truth is, sustainability—whether in activism, in our emotional well-being, or in the literal sense of environmental sustainability—is about longevity. There is this constant feeling of having to always be on the go, working, being engaged, and being present. The world doesn't have to be like that.  It’s about finding ways to keep going without burning out. It’s about recognizing when we need to rest and when we need to push forward.

So, as we move through this chaotic year, let’s be mindful of how we engage with the world around us. Let’s be intentional with our energy, pouring it into causes and efforts that truly align with our values, while also giving ourselves grace when we need to step back. Because change, whether personal or global, is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. And in order to make a lasting impact, we have to be here for the long haul.

Like the traditional saying goes,'It's okay to not be okay.'