may the stars carry your sadness away

There has been way too much strife in my little corner of the world this week. I am seeing disease, heartbreak, unnecessary stress, and some pretty devastating things happening to a lot of people in my community. I don't know if it's just that I am noticing it more because I am older, or if social media magnifies the troubles in the world, but I am seeing so much pain all around me.

And today I'm not talking about self-doubt or trouble with "finding yourself." This stuff is real. From death to cancer to breakups from long-term relationships. And it is tragic for everyone. All this strife in one little tiny town? It seems impossible. But it's not.

Suddenly, I am feeling such sympathy (and empathy) for people who I barely talk to. I am realizing how close-knit a community we are, and I am starting to see a side to some people that I wasn't sure existed. I don't really know what to say about this, except that I wish there was something I could do to make all this pain and fear go away.

I know that these are problems that must be fixed with time, and unfortunately some of these problems will only get worse. The saddest thing is that is how the world works. There is constantly loss and tragedy and grief, and yet this earth continues to turn and babies are still born and people still fall in love, all while tears are being shed only a few feet away.

I ask you all today to do a few things:
       1) Be thankful for the people in your life and think about what they mean to you.
       2) Tell them you love them. Please.
       3) Extend support to anyone who may need it- whether they accept it or not, that empathy still means something
      4) Think positive thoughts, and if you pray (or whatever your regimen may consist of) please keep these struggling people and families in your heart

There isn't really much else to say, and I think that you all understand what I'm trying to get at here. But PLEASE don't forget how precious your life and your health are, and how precious your family and friends are, if not for any reason other than to feel some love. Continue to laugh and live and love as passionately as you can, and you have nothing to fear.