01/20/2026
Watching a madman start World War III because Congress won’t stand up to him can feel like how every abused child felt watching one parent overlook the other parent’s evil and asinine behavior.
If you lived this dynamic as a child and feel like you’re reliving it now, but on the world stage, take a deep breath. Remind that precious younger you that you’re an adult now. Really, you are!
Use the influence you have today, in your adult body, to take care of yourself. Find local like-minded folks. We aren’t meant to live this the same way we did as children: helpless, hopeless, alone, rage-filled and frozen.
Your younger self doesn’t have to believe your adult self is here. That might feel like too big of a leap at first. But, perhaps YOU can begin to believe that adult you is here.
Maybe say your actual, chronologic age out loud? (Humor me here)
We can respond differently in the present moment.
Be for your younger self who you needed then. This isn’t just a trite, silly line.
Take some of your attention away from what you can’t control and bring it to what you can. No movement in this direction is too small.
Take care of that little one inside of you who is observing and taking in all the orchestrated chaos. Let them know that YOU are here now. Adult you wasn’t available when you were eight, but you are now.
It doesn’t mean we don’t feel helpless or filled with rage. It does mean you are no longer eight years old.
Big, deep breath, my friend. You are not alone. I see you.
One more big, deep breath.
🩷
