Sometimes the world seems a terrible place. Most of the time I do not watch, read, or listen to the news because it only seems to find the evil on this planet of ours. It makes me feel hopeless and sad, helpless and angry. It distorts how I see the world and instead of goodness, hope, and beauty, all I can see are the crazies, the tyrants, the brutal murderers.
The news gutted me this week, as I know it did most of us. A pregnant friend of mine was scheduled to be on the Malaysian Airlines flight with her two children but got bumped because the flight was full. Afterwards she could hardly breathe, overwhelmed with grief and shock. The horrors unfolding in Israel, Ukraine, and other places are devastating, and I ache for the people caught in these untenable situations. I’m scared about the lines being drawn where entire groups of people are lumped in with the decisions and actions of a few. I see the refugee situation in Australia, America, and other places, and my heart is breaking for the people, just regular people, who are imprisoned like criminals when all they want is a safe place to raise their families.
And I know there aren’t easy answers for any of it. Each big issue is filled with tiny issues, personal relationships and histories and needs and fears and prejudices and misinformation and conflicting values and beliefs that make it all one giant muddle.
It feels Too Much.
So I have to stop. And breathe. And go outside and wander in my gardens and get some perspective.
I walked out to my greenhouse and was amazed to find it nearly full of tumbleweeds blown in with the last winter wind storm.
It’s a big ol’ mess that will have to be cleaned out, but I can still see beauty and growth through the drifts. It calmed me and reminded me that even though the world seems full of cruelty right now, there is still beauty and growth to be found, uncovered, nourished. I’m not rich or powerful, I have no influence on world events, but I can look for places of growth and help them thrive.
I can start with myself, doing everything I can to foster kindness, generosity, and tolerance in my heart, and live that out with the people I see and interact with: my husband, friends, random people I run into in daily life.
As I heal and get stronger, I can find ways to help the refugees that are in my area, collecting food, clothing, household items, whatever they need.
As I earn money and get a bit extra, I can give it to those who do have influence and opportunity to help those in need.
And I can focus on the good in this world, cheering for the millions of people every day who are not murdering or bombing or harming anyone. Supporting every effort to heal, restore, empower, and inspire.
I can also make my own little spot on the planet a place of rest, healing, peace, and welcome where differences are respected, creativity is celebrated, and love is given lavishly.
Today I’m celebrating good little things in my life:
- I don’t have cancer. I DON’T HAVE CANCER!!! Yesterday I got my test results back from my operations and they now know exactly what is wrong and how to fix it. Cancer has been the big fear and the relief we felt yesterday cannot be expressed. We are overjoyed. My diagnosis will mean some lifestyle changes for the rest of my life, but they’re manageable and good and I’m full of hope and excitement.
- I’ve been commissioned to write a Christmas book!!! Once my history book is completed I’ll be cooking, writing, and photographing my heart out to finish it in time for release over the holidays. My office is filling up with Christmasy inspiration and it makes me happy just thinking about it.
- 15 baby goats leaping about. They make me laugh every day as they gallop around like marionettes being jerked on strings. I love their little faces as they reach up to sniff my hand then run away as fast as they can because I’m big and scary. And it’s pure bliss when they snuggle into my arms and fall fast asleep.
What are some good things in your life this week? XO
SO glad to hear of your good news. =) As always i read your blog and am so inspired by all you accomplish. I am totally excited for you to be able to do yet another book, that is so amazing. Hugs to you from Arizona! =))))
Thank you so much, dear @melodyengelsgoff:disqus 🙂 You are such a bright, happy light in my life. 🙂
Congratulations on your wonderfully good news! Go run free and celebrate with those adorable goats.
Thank you, @sarahkenney:disqus 🙂 “run free” – how I love that. 🙂
I am so happy to hear about so many positive things surrounding you Krista. This week I got out on my bike, I joined a lovely group of ladies called The Soup Sisters who make soup once a month for a youth shelter, I was able to hold a plank for 2 minutes….
Your Soup Sisters group sounds so great, @disqus_2LQ5qLN5aY:disqus 🙂 I am in awe of your plank-holding capabilities!!!
I didn’t know you were worried about the big “C” Krista. The relief must be huge – like you have won the lottery (of life). Bravo. And they can manage your condition which is fabulous. I can’t think of any good things in my life this week – maybe that is because it is always full of good things. I made a lovely mexican salad for lunch today which made me happy. 🙂
My symptoms had them testing me for it every couple of months, @budgetjan:disqus , so yep, we were worried. So thankful I don’t have it. 🙂 I’d love to know what is in your Mexican salad!!
Oh Krista this was just the tonic I needed today. Feeling so many of these emotions that you’ve described. So pleased you’ve escaped the big C. One of our friends was not so lucky this week. Tragic. So yes, go spread more joy. You do a lovely job of it. xxx
I’m so deeply sorry for your terrible loss, @disqus_2yjJojmJOE:disqus Wishing you and her luvs much comfort and strength as you grieve. XO
Thanks honey x
I totally agree, Krista. The world has become too complicated by the works of man. I love seeing your photos each time – they look happy and full of hope 🙂
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
I’m so glad my pictures bring hope to you, Julie (@GourmetGetaway:disqus ) XO
That’s fantastic news Krista, so pleased to hear it. Wow another book 🙂
Thank you, @wanderingsheila:disqus 🙂 I’m pretty chuffed too. XO
This world can definitely be a hard place to live in. But I like to believe there is always some good and some optimism to be found!
I like to believe the same thing, @joanneeatswellwithothers:disqus How else could we keep going? XO
Sometimes, people are just meant to miss a flight! So relieved for you that you have a diagnosis and that it is not cancer. Celebrate the goodness in everyone – it helps make life a blessing 🙂
Yes, I love that, @tandysinclair:disqus 🙂 By focusing on the good I see so much more of it!
Amazing news, so fantastic. Congratulations on your book commission too. GG
Thank you so much, @glamorousglutton:disqus 🙂
Krista, I’m so happy to hear your wonderful news and that you now have a clear path forward. I know what a relief that must be! Re: not watching the news…I couldn’t have said it any better myself – you captured my thoughts exactly. I strive every day to look at the good around me and to ignore the bad.
It is a HUGE relief, @inspiringtravellers:disqus 🙂 I know you understand what a weight is lifted when answers are found. XO
So happy to hear your wonderful news – and congratulations on the book commission it sounds wonderful.
Thank you, @disqus_xRgkTDNCQJ:disqus 🙂 I’m smiling a lot this week. 🙂
Extremely glad to hear your good news.
Thanks so much, @MyCustardPie:disqus 🙂
Fantastic news, Krista. Lifestyle changes are manageable, and in your little piece of Queensland Paradise, that should be tolerable 🙂 As a double survivor of the Spanish Dancer, I truly know the joy of that ‘all clear’ test result.
You are amazing, @Kayrpea61:disqus I had no idea you’ve come through it TWICE!! I will press on with much courage. 🙂
There is much to celebrate, Krista, but the world is a crazy place, that’s for sure. Wonderful news, my friend.
Much to celebrate is right, dear @liz_posmyk:disqus 🙂
Oh Krista that is such good news. You must be very happy. I really felt tearful reading this because its so true. There seems so much evil. I live right in the city and it is not an easy place to just wander outside and see the beauty, however it really is important to be thankful for small things each day and for people that you know too. I usually watch the news due to the paranoia of feeling like I am missing something, but tonight NO, just because I am following your lead. The very best of luck with your new projects . Peace Bella x
Hugs to you, @taniamykitchenstoriescomau:disqus XO Your words brought tears to my eyes. It is a comfort to connect with people who understand, isn’t it?
Yay! Happy dancing for you, thats wonderful news Krista. 🙂 Wawhoooo & Congratulations… How exciting writing a Christmas book, can’t wait to see it. Give one of those baby goats a cuddle for me, far out they are adorable.
I KNEW you would dance for me, @disqus_o9c9vkchcC:disqus ! And how I love you for that. 🙂 XO One goat cuddle coming right up!
OMG no cancer!! Better than that is a diagnosis that makes sense for a good life. We love you and you’ve come so far. Love the new book idea and who couldn’t fall in love with baby goats?
We can never change other people. We can change ourselves and sometimes (often) that changes other people.
Your words are like a hug, @disqus_v9uRgGTGfe:disqus XO Thank you with all my heart.
That is such fantastic news!!! So happy for you on all counts. I am finally back in computer land and enjoyed my visit ‘with you’ today!
I’m so glad you’re back, dear @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus I always love hearing from you. 🙂
On Monday, our next-door neighbour knocked on the door and invited the kids out to play. We’ve been living next door for over three years and it’s the first time the kids have all met. The three of them spent the rest of the hour tripping back and forth between both front yards and in and out of both houses. My world just got a little bigger – and a little kinder. That’s my good thing of the week. So glad to hear your good news!
Ohhh, that makes me so happy for you, @rachelfriesen:disqus ! How wonderful to receive kindness from your neighbor. 🙂
I am so very happy for your good news!
When the towers fell on September 11th, I stood before my classroom and asked my students to believe that most of the people in the world are good people. I am amazed, and saddened by how many times I have had to remind myself since then that this is true. We must continue to believe that most of the people in the world are good people.
What a wonderful thing to do for your students, Tracy. XO That would’ve helped them so much in processing the horrors of that day.
Oh wonderful wonderful post in every way and you put into words what so many of us are struggling with and holding onto. So glad also for all your good news. you deserve it a million times over! As always, looking forward to what comes next for you and the next beautiful picture.
Thank you so very much, dear paradis. XOXO
Oh Krista I feel exactly the way you do – the news is just too depressing and individuals like us are just too powerless…. But am absolutely thrilled at your first bit of good news – so glad the waiting is finally over and you have a diagnosis and can work on fixing what is wrong. Huge hugs! xx