When the World is Howling . . .

The world is howling right now. Voices, certain and righteous, grow louder by the day—calling out to protect freedoms, stand for human rights, warn of a fragile economy, and cry out for a climate in crisis (look at the devastation in the Appalachian Mountains due to Hurricane Helene). It doesn't matter whether you agree or disagree with any or all of these cries—what is undeniable is the growing pain and unrest that pulses through the world.

This cacophony can rattle even the most grounded among us, sending shivers down the roots of our steadiness. The question, then, is how do we move through the mounting tension? Where do we turn to find answers amidst the chaos? 

I turn to acts of radical kindness—not as a way to escape, but to step into deeper engagement—with ourselves, with others, and with the earth beneath our feet. Kindness guides us into the conversations and actions that truly matter, those that resonate and shape change in both grand and intimate ways.

Acts of Radical Kindness, rooted in our heart’s intelligence, aren’t just distractions from the noise; they’re lifelines.

But what does an act of radical kindness look like when we’re knotted up in fear? In that raw, anxious place, even simple kindness can feel impossible—a mere flicker against the vast darkness. And yet, there lies the invitation—not to bypass the collapse, the crises, the cries, but to lean in, heart-first. To create kindness as a means of finding our way through. To craft a small, meaningful response to the noise that speaks from the depths of our authentic selves.

When it all feels too much, and you are feeling much too small to make a difference, think of the butterfly—a creature so small, yet its wings can shift the air in a way that changes everything. Our smallest gestures, our tiniest acts of kindness, can ripple outward, altering the course of this tangled storm. We don’t have to have all the answers. We don’t need to fix it all.

Instead, we can take one small step—something simple yet profound—that aligns us with our intelligent hearts and communities, an act of radical kindness.

Maybe you . . .

• Handwrite a note of appreciation to a client or fellow freelancer, expressing genuine gratitude for their collaboration or support. It’s a small gesture that can strengthen relationships and uplift someone’s day.

• Plant a single native wildflower in a pot or garden bed. Watch as it becomes a beacon for local bees and butterflies, offering them a bit of nourishment.

• Take a copy of your favorite book and bring it to a neighbor—especially someone who might be feeling alone. Share a moment together, no matter how brief.

Small acts, each one, but no less powerful for their simplicity. All we need is one small step—one flap of the wing—aligned with our heart’s intelligence to change the world for the better.

What’s your small step today?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments or send me a message. I’d love to hear what your heart is calling you towards.