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Grace, Race, and Thoughts from a 5th Grader

Well, it’s literally freezing here in Connecticut, and I hope you’re doing well as we head into the weekend. Do you have something planned to look forward to? Maybe it’s curling up with a good book by the fire, sleeping in just a bit longer, or catching up with a friend over coffee. These simple pleasures make a big difference.

 

One thing I want to encourage you to do this year is to have at least one thing—during both the week and the weekend—that you are genuinely excited about. I recently read that joy is 80% anticipation, and research shows that having something to look forward to releases healthy levels of dopamine, which boosts our mood. So, as you head into this weekend, can you find that one thing for yourself?

 

I say this because I know many of you are feeling stressed and anxious. Some of you may be hopeful and in a good place right now, which is wonderful. But for those who aren’t, remember—you have choices. This week, I made the choice to step away from social media. The divisive comments I was seeing made me sad, angry, and anxious. I told a friend, “I need to step away so I can keep believing in the goodness of humanity because I lose faith when I read the comments.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, consider limiting your time on social media. Live your life in your real life—it’s made a huge difference for me, helping me feel more present and hopeful.

GRACE

Today, I want to talk about grace. I’ve noticed so many conversations that are far from grace-filled lately. My hope is that, in the coming years, we can approach each other with more respect and extend grace, no matter what we believe to be true. Our beliefs are shaped by the unique paths we’ve walked and the people who have influenced us. Take a moment to reflect—who were those people in your life? How might you be different if they hadn’t been part of your journey? As therapists, we know how deeply this truth shapes who we are. So, when you encounter someone with opposing views, consider their path—it might help you meet them with more understanding.

 

YOUR PEOPLE

I’ve also reminded many people this week: you are not alone—hold on to your people. Talk to those who love, understand, and support you. Lean on them in challenging times. And if you’re a person of faith, this is the perfect time to pray for and with your people.

 

DIVERSITY

Lastly, a word on race. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know how passionate I am about celebrating diversity. I believe it’s a reflection of God’s incredible creativity and imagination. We have so much to learn from each other through the ways that make us unique. While I sometimes wish the world were “colorblind” when it comes to racial prejudice, I also recognize that this would rob us of the beauty in our differences.


This week, as we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, these thoughts were on my mind. My 11-year-old daughter, Carolina, wrote an essay about her personal experience with racial prejudice and how she chose to respond to it. With her permission, I’m sharing it with you. While I wish she’d never have to face such challenges, her story is a reminder of how one person can turn difficulty into action, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Please feel free to share her essay with your family if it resonates with you.

 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Remember, you are here to make a difference. Your life has an impact—likely greater than you realize. As Sharon McMahon wisely said, “Do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone.” That’s how, together, we’ll create meaningful change.

 

Wishing you grace and peace today.

 

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