It’s OK

It’s OK for you to feel all sorts of ways right now.

Desperate about the situation in Ukraine.

Proud of your own accomplishments.

Anxious about the possibility of a nuclear world war.

In love with your partner.

Sad about the state of the world.

Grateful for your friends.

Excited about the spring arriving.

Overwhelmed about being in a pandemic for the 3rd year in a row.

Guilty for having a normal life and your basic needs met.

Helpless and desperate and excited and grateful, all at the same time.

What’s happening in the world right now is affecting us all, but obviously the people of Ukraine and Russia more than anyone. I’m feeling sick to my stomach about the people in Ukraine, scared for their lives, living normally last week and having their world turned upside down in one day. I feel deep compassion for the Russian civilians, who are now facing dire consequences for the actions of their leader, unprecedented inflation and economic restrictions, their stock market being shut down and bank accounts frozen. It’s always the regular people that suffer because of the power games played up at the top of the echelon.

I feel for the little people. I am the little people. Yugoslavia, my home country, was torn up in civil war when I was 11. We experienced all the consequences that Ukrainians and Russians are experiencing right now. I am feeling a deep sadness and a sense of despair every day.

And yet, life goes on. I am in Brazil, during the carnival. I am surrounded by so much love and happiness and zest for life. I live beautiful experiences every day. It’s summer here, I can walk to the beach every day and experience this rich culture, their food, their beautiful nature.

And yet, I get annoyed over the fact that it’s so crowded at the beach these days, that it’s so hot during the day that I find myself longing for the crisp autumn days of Brooklyn. Life goes on and it’s ruthless in its effort to bring normalcy to any situation.

And then the guilt. For feeling excited and annoyed and anything really, other than compassion for the world. For not feeling grateful enough for the life that I lead. For daring to worry about nonsense or be joyful at a time when a there is a real possibility of nuclear war.

I’m here to tell you, to tell myself, that it’s OK. It’s OK to feel whatever you’re feeling. We’re all going through a lot. Go easy on yourself. Get involved if you can, help however you may, but more than anything, take care of yourself. Do what brings you joy, cry on the shoulders of your friends or in your own embrace, try not to worry too much. I can recommend some calming music and meditations that will help soothe you. Let me know if you would like this. The calmer and happier you are, the more you are helping the world. Trust me on this.

If you need to talk, I’m here. But more than anything, I’m sending you big love and permission to take care of yourself any way you can.