Originally published in the Daily Drip
It’s hard to ignore the weight of the world right now. Every day feels like stepping into a storm of division and divisiveness—whether it’s the news, social media, or even conversations with people I care about. And if I’m being completely honest, it’s overwhelming.
As a business owner, I’m supposed to have it all together, right? I’m supposed to lead with confidence, make tough decisions, and keep my eye on the future. But lately, I’ve felt so much uncertainty— so much so that sometimes it’s hard to catch my breath. There’s this constant tug-of-war happening, and it’s not just in the world around me; it’s inside me, too.
I see the divides everywhere. People are at odds with each other over politics, identity, and values. Everything feels charged—like even the simplest statement can set off a spark. Conversations no longer feel as casual. They often feel cautious, the careful way we tiptoe around certain topics, and the unspoken worry we all carry.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t affected by it. I feel it. Deeply. Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough, not saying the right things, not standing up in the right way for values I hold strongly. And sometimes, I feel paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong.
I’ve asked myself more times than I can count:
How do I stay connected to the people around me in this world that feels so divided? How do I find peace when everything feels so charged and contentious?
Here are four ways I stay grounded, connected, and find peace.
Admitting That I Don’t Have All the Answers
I think the first thing I had to acknowledge is that I don’t have all the answers. I’m a business owner–I’m used to solving problems, making decisions, and being in control. But in a world that feels so chaotic, I’ve realized that some things are beyond my control, and that’s okay. It’s okay to feel unsure. It’s okay to admit that I’m struggling to navigate this environment that feels like the great unknown. For so long, I felt like I had to put on a brave face, like I couldn’t let anyone see that I was affected by the weight of everything happening in the world. But that was exhausting. And it wasn’t truthful. The reality is, I’m human. And as much as I want to be strong for my team, my clients, and my business, I’ve learned that it’s also important to be vulnerable. To let people know that I, too, am wrestling with the challenges of this time. I’ve found that in my vulnerability, there’s a strange kind of strength. When I’m open about my struggles, it creates space for others to be open, too. And in that openness, we find connection.
Finding Peace in Purpose
In times of division, it’s easy to feel helpless. But I’ve found that reconnecting with my purpose—both personally and professionally—brings me peace. My business exists not just to turn a profit, but to serve people. When I remember that the work I do has the potential to improve lives, it fills me with a sense of hope and meaning and I’m reminded that my business is about more than my professional success. I’m expanding my purpose professionally to create a safe and healing space—a place that is not only therapeutic, but serves as a brief escape from the chaos of life. Whether it’s through the services we offer or the environment we cultivate, I want people to leave feeling refreshed, supported, and at peace. It’s about using my gifts and my business to make a difference, even if it’s in the smallest ways. Guiding people in their healing process, listening, educating, contributing to the community, knowing that I am part of something bigger than myself helps me stay grounded. There will always be forces in the world that seek to divide, but I believe that if we stay connected to a meaningful purpose, we can find peace even during challenging times.
Fostering Empathy in the Face of Division
The truth is, the world is divided. And I’m not naïve enough to think that I can fix that. But what I can do is make sure that in my corner of the world—my business, my relationships, my community—I choose empathy. I’ve had to remind myself that behind every opinion, behind every belief, is a person. A person with their own fears, experiences, and hopes. I remember that we’re all just people, doing the best we can in a world that often feels confusing, strangely unfamiliar and overwhelming. In my business, I’ve made it a priority to create a culture where empathy is at the center. That doesn’t mean we avoid hard conversations—it means we approach them with compassion. What I’ve found is that when we listen—truly listen—to each other, we realize that we’re not as different as we might think. We all want to feel heard, respected, and understood. And when we lead with empathy, those connections feel so natural.
Choosing Connection Over Fear
In such a polarized world, it’s easy to retreat. To close off, to avoid difficult conversations, to distance myself from anything that feels uncomfortable. But I’ve come to realize that connection is the antidote to fear. When I lean into connection—when I choose to engage rather than withdraw—it opens the door to healing.That doesn’t mean I always have the right words or that I’m not scared. Sometimes, I am. But I’ve learned that the only way through this is together. We can’t afford to let fear keep us apart, not in our businesses, not in our communities, not in our lives. I create the space to speak– and I listen. I too speak authentically- and give myself the grace to share and honor my experiences and perspectives. As a business owner, I know that the most important work I do isn’t just about products, services, or profits. It’s about the people at the center of it all. It’s about creating safe spaces where we can come together and, even when it feels like the world is pulling us apart. In the end, that’s where I find peace—not in avoiding the challenges, but in facing them with compassion, humility, and a willingness to connect and understand. I don’t have all the answers. I never will. But what I do have is a heart that’s committed to finding common ground, to building bridges, and to staying connected—even when the world feels anything but. And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.