I recorded this episode on Monday, March 27. The day three nine year old children and three staff members at a private Christian school in Nashville were killed by a 28 year old woman with assault rifles.
I was overwhelmed with the weight of grief; knowing well what nine-year olds are like: enthusiastic, curious, energetic, full of life and love. Gunned down at their school. Tragic is not deep enough.
In an effort to ground myself and offer something to you I read a blessing from The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie titled For this Grief-Stricken Day.
What is also true is we each need to take care of our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. I have a page in my Affirmations and Action Workbook that I describe in the episode. It’s similar to the T chart for decision making. At the top of the left column write the word Anxiety. At the top of the right column write the word Truth. For every anxiety you carry, write it on the left side. Get it out of your head and onto the paper. Once you’ve written it (or if you’re like me, there is more than one anxiety to list) identify What is Also True by writing down Truth on the right side of the paper.
You now have opposites to remind yourself of. The practice of asking yourself What is Also True can help you get grounded, gain perspective and move toward the appropriate action you may need to take.
In the meantime, take good care.
