I have found myself feeling so tired of late, emotionally, mentally and physically. I suspect I am not alone in this feeling. I suspect I am not the only person feeling a deep, down exhaustion stemming not just from the pandemic but from the overall state of the world.

I started feeling this way a while back and recently on my drive to work a quote from the movie “Green Mile” popped into my head. The quote resonated with me as I pondered all the ugliness in the world today.

I have been thinking about this quote for several days now and noticing how all the ugly seems to be taking a toll on me. I find myself seeing ever more negativity on social media and in the news. Yet as I sipped my morning coffee as the sun rose so beautifully today, I am reminded that there is good and beauty and positivity all around me. So while I see so much ugly in the world, I find myself feeling sanguine that there still is beauty.

I also am reminded of dialectics, that is feeling two things at the same time. So when I find myself feeling emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted, I also am feeling inspired and hopeful.

I am tired of all the ugly in the world yet I recognize that I am surrounded by beauty.

I am tired of seeing negative, hateful things on social media yet am reminded how social media has allowed me to stay connected with friends and family near and far.

I am tired in my 52 year old body yet can practice being grateful for all it continues to allow me to accomplish.

I am tired of being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic yet am thankful for the scientists who have found ways for us to combat it as best as we can as the virus continues to mutate.

I am tired of not being able to be with my friends in person as much as I desire yet am thankful for the opportunity to find new and creative ways to keep in touch with them.

It can be challenging during these times of what seems a constant barrage of negativity to find the good in the world, yet it is there. Every day may not be good but there is good in every day, sometimes we just have to look a little harder to find it. Perhaps if we (including me) practiced gratitude more frequently, we would find ourselves feeling more joyful for it is grateful people who are happy. I know that as I continue to battle this feeling of tiredness, it may take more effort to turn things around for myself, it will be well worth the effort. What steps might you take to combat your own feelings of tiredness? Can you practice gratitude? Can you give yourself permission to find beauty and joy?

~ Karri Christiansen, MSW, LSW, CADC, CCTP