It’s Not Me, It’s The World

I have a confession to make: I’ve been in a creative slump all year.

Thankfully, I’m saying this in early March, not in November. 2025 has has a rough start for most of us - myself included. The state of the world has been an absolute mess with devastating wild fires, an extremely unstable political climate and continued wars and fighting.

Personally, my energy has been low since the holidays. We had an extremely cold and snowy winter here in Rhode Island, so I know that hasn’t helped. I’ve had trouble concentrating and have found myself (uncharacteristically) jumping around from task to task. I’ve been exhausted, frustrated and impatient. While this can happen to anyone from time to time, I’ve felt like this all year. Life has felt draining.

For better or for worse, I’m hearing this echoed around me. Friends, colleagues and even strangers are sharing a similar sentiment. It seems like most folks are also on the struggle bus there days. While it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in feeling this way, I want the physical and metaphorical clouds to part.

For me, seeking solace in nature has been instrumental in navigating the past few months. Even when it’s below freezing and snowing outside, going on walks with my beloved dog Luna helps keeps things in perspective. I’m reminded that while I’m the leading lady in my own life, I play a very small part in the world around me. Taking the time to stop, admire the beautiful views around me and take some deep, cleansing breaths in the cold air reminds me that life goes on. Seasons change, people come and go and circumstances fluctuate.

I’m blessed to live by the water, and I get to see the ocean every day. It still takes my breath away. I hope the beauty of the natural world around me never ceases to amaze me.

How do you find peace in the heaviness of our world? Please take care of yourself. I’ve learned the hard way about what happens when I put everyone else’s oxygen masks on before mine. I care deeply about other people and am a natural helper, but I need to remember to prioritize my needs. The more I take time to center myself, stay grounded and rest properly results in more energy I can devote to my loved ones, my work and my passions.

If we all take the time to try to ground ourselves during the tough times, perhaps, the world will become a better place. At the very least, we will feel strengthened as individuals and can offer my grace to ourselves, our communities and the world at large.