Finding Ground in the Chaos: Embracing Simplicity

Resting with Tenderness to Resume the Work

In the wake of the recent U.S. election, many of us are grappling with complex thoughts, feelings, and the intricacies of our relationships. The socio-political landscape is heavy, and it’s tempting to get lost in the endless cycles of news and social media, feeling more disconnected than ever. But if we’re going to survive—and find ways to thrive—it’s time to lean into simplicity. Hear me out.

I want to be clear: this isn’t about using toxic positivity to override the real struggles we’re all facing. It’s also not about ceasing our advocacy work altogether. In fact, it’s the opposite. I’m not pretending things aren’t hard. I’m actively leaning into those hard feelings, acknowledging them, working with them, and from that place…I’m choosing to take care of myself in the eye of the storm. It would be so easy for me to ignore my own needs, to focus on taking care of others first—because, like many of you, I’m a recovering people pleaser. But we can’t toxic-positivity or nose-to-the-grindstone ourselves out of this. We never could. Toxic positivity and burnout don’t work. And as we are taught over and over again: we have to put our own oxygen masks on before we aid others. You cannot pour from an empty cup, as they say.

So, what do we do instead? We look at what’s true, what’s simple. And we put our focus and energy into that.

No matter how uncertain things may feel, one truth remains: the sun will rise tomorrow, the moon will appear tonight, and the cycles of nature will continue. The leaves fall in autumn, and they will grow back in the spring. Even if this moment is uncomfortable—forcing us to confront our past, our personal histories, or even our ancestral or acquired trauma—part of the antidote to all this overwhelm is focusing on what is simple and true. (Hot tip: nature is a great place to start.)

We can only control so much. One thing we can control, for example, is how much we engage with social media. While it can be a valuable tool, it’s also a vortex for our energy. It’s no coincidence that at a time when we’re more plugged into our phones than our relationships, we see a reflection of that disconnection in the chaos around us.

So, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: What is the simplest, kindest thing I can do for myself right now?

For me, it’s getting back into my body. When my mind spirals, I ground myself. I feel my feet on the earth, go for a walk in nature, or move my body through dance or somatic practices (lately, the SAH Method has been extremely supportive). I lean into my morning routine—making my yummy coffee, my morning “shot” of tinctures and lemon juice, preparing my smoothie—and I lean into the relationships that matter. I check in with loved ones and tend to my connections (even the ones that feel difficult in this moment), especially when differences over political choices arise.

As Glennon Doyle often reminds us: We can do hard things. And amidst the complexity (let’s be real: it’s a mess), perhaps the hardest thing we can do is make things simpler for ourselves—even temporarily, in order to reset our systems. Survival through this maelstrom is not about carrying the weight of the world, but about tending to what is within our control—our bodies, our minds, our relationships.

I could easily fall into old habits of blaming my body for how I feel, but I’ve learned we’re on the same team. When I lean into simplicity—getting into my body and listening to its cues—I function better. And right now, I need my body to be on my side. I need to show up and be on her side, too.

So I ask you, how will you tend to yourself today? What’s the simplest act of kindness you can give yourself? Whether it’s a nourishing meal, a hard conversation (plenty need to be had), or a moment of softness, give yourself that love. And watch the world reflect it back to you, even when it feels like it won’t. Keep seeking the good, the glimmers, and the sources of love around you.

We can’t control the choices others make, nor can we fully understand them (and dammit, we can try). But we can control how we respond—with love, grace, and simplicity. Take care of yourselves. Keep it simple. Come back to the essence of who you are. Focus into the practices that bring you to this truth.

Recharge so you can fight another day. Elevate the energy of the collective as you elevate your own.

With love,

Lauren xoxo