How Do I Reconcile This?
Earlier this morning, I wrote a piece on being tired, body dysmorphia, and aging inspired by my friend
. Shortly after, my focus veered toward the stark reality of the horrors unfolding in the world and I found myself in tears, again.Suddenly, my own musings felt trivial, almost insignificant in the face of such profound human suffering.
And yet…I realized something…
It's weird being human.
Our personal realms and our individual struggles consume us in a way that feels inescapable—how could they not when we’re constantly immersed in them? Yet, simultaneously, we bear witness to dire, life-devastating catastrophes unfolding on a global scale, and the task of reconciling these two truths becomes challenging.
How do we navigate these intimate struggles but also put them into perspective with the stark realities and injustices taking place?
How do we strike a balance between self-reflection of our own pain and the urgent need to address such pressing circumstances?
As I grapple with my own emotions, my empathy, the boundaries of my capabilities, and the burning desire to effect change, I feel more and more confused.
At times, it feels almost inappropriate to dwell on these ostensibly minor personal woes when epically harrowing events are unfolding beyond our immediate sphere of existence. Yet, a deeper knowing whispers that navigating our personal journeys and healing individually is vital not only for our own well-being but for the collective as well.
Perhaps it isn’t about relinquishing our personal experiences, but rather expanding our hearts and minds to encompass both the intimate and the global. It entails acknowledging that we can extend our care and compassion to our own healing while prioritizing actions that support those who currently lack the privilege of engaging in personal growth due to the relentless struggle for survival.
Perhaps in embracing this complexity, in allowing ourselves to feel the depth of our personal challenges and remain acutely attuned to the urgency of addressing what is taking place beyond us, we can find a path toward a more profound and empathetic human experience.
Idk.
I'm not asserting any claims to profound wisdom. I'm simply sharing these musings as part of my own process, hoping that perhaps these words might spark something for you.