It’s no surprise that the world is an interesting place right about now. We are seeing and hearing things that feel surreal. Thanks to social media, we have a front-row seat to world events that we were probably never meant to witness while standing in the kitchen unpacking and repacking lunchboxes.
Raising kids during such unsettling times is tough. My kids are at the age where they catch snippets of headlines or overhear half a conversation, and suddenly I’m fielding questions that no parenting book, blog, or “What to Expect” chapter ever prepared me for.
I’ll admit I’m a bit of a worrier. I feel anxious about the unknown, and when I let myself fall too far down a rabbit hole of reels or news stories, it’s game over. I have to gently yank myself back into my little bubble of reality; my home, my family, the things I actually can control.
“Control what you can control.”
That’s become my daily mantra, not just for me but also for my girls as they head off to school. Because no matter how much we want to, we can’t fix everything out there. But we can choose where to put our energy.
For me, it means actively seeking out joy even in the tiniest, silliest, most ordinary moments. And you know what? It helps. Here are a few ways I’ve been finding lightness in an increasingly heavy world, and maybe they’ll help you, too.
1. Joy in the Little Things
The perfect cup of coffee, my dry shampoo doing its job, and laundry that gets washed, dried, folded, and put away the same day—I am acknowledging the small things in my day that make me happy and are simple wins.
2. Saying NO to Scrolling
Instagram is a double-edged sword. I love all the puppy and sourdough content, but do not want to see the terrifying headlines or lack of humanity in the next reel. I have learned to put my phone down and say no to aimless scrolling that causes my blood pressure and anxiety to spike.
3. Routines I Depend On
Most kids thrive with structure and routine, and I find that I do too. Having a predictable schedule with things I enjoy makes me look forward to those moments of peace in my day and allows me to feel control. I start the day with a quiet morning walk and my favorite podcast, plan dinner for the week to keep it predictable, and wind down at night with my Kindle and a dark romance. These routines allow me to feel calmer in a chaotic world.
4. Laughing More
My kids are really funny, and I am trying to slow down and really laugh with them. Whether they’re singing KPop for the millionth time in the shower, or telling me their made-up jokes at the dinner table, taking the time to really laugh makes us all feel lighter. Laughter is a pressure valve. It doesn’t solve the big problems, but it makes them feel less suffocating.
At the end of the day, life feels big and overwhelming right now, but joy is still possible. In small moments, silly laughs and little rituals I am calming my central nervous system and creating happiness.
