Lately, I’ve found myself feeling pulled in different directions. Everywhere I turn - the news, social media, conversations amongst friends - there are big topics being discussed. Some of them are incredibly important, but they’re also complex, heavy, and emotional.
Like many of you, I’ve tried to understand both sides of these topics. I’ve read articles, scrolled through posts, watched various news channels, and thought a lot and sometimes got myself into a right tizzy (in my own brain).
But instead of finding clarity, I often find myself falling down a rabbit hole of opinions and information that leaves me feeling even more confused.
And if I’m honest? It makes me feel uncomfortable. Torn. A little bit ashamed that I don’t have a “perfect” answer or a strong opinion to share.
The Pressure to Speak Up
Social media can make it feel like we must pick a side, speak up loudly, and make our position known. For some people, that feels natural and empowering. But for others - like me - it can feel overwhelming.
What if you say the wrong thing? What if you’re still learning? What if you just don’t know where you stand yet and will you ever know what the right answer is?
The truth is, there’s a huge amount of pressure right now to be vocal about every issue. And yet, silence doesn’t always mean indifference. Sometimes silence means thoughtfulness. Sometimes it means self-preservation. Sometimes it means choosing to step back for your own mental wellbeing. And let’s be frank, most of the time – there is no real answers and the actual truth in practically impossible to know.
Acknowledging the “Hot Topics”
We all know there are some very controversial and sensitive issues being discussed in the world right now. They’re uncomfortable, emotional, and often hard hitting.
I’ll be honest - I don’t even feel comfortable hinting at some of the subjects on here. Not because I don’t care, but because I know how charged these conversations can be. I’ve found that the more I try to dig in, research, and “work it all out,” the more uneasy I actually feel.
And maybe you’ve felt the same.
It’s a strange kind of pressure: if you don’t speak up, you feel judged. If you do speak up, you worry about saying the wrong thing. Either way, it’s exhausting.
That’s why sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is to step back. To remind yourself: you cannot singlehandedly change the world. What you can do is look after yourself, your loved ones, and your own wellbeing. And that is more than enough.
You’re Not Alone
I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. In fact, I suspect most people are quietly sitting in this middle space - caring deeply, but not always knowing the right words, and sometimes feeling anxious about even trying.
If you’ve ever felt guilty for not having all the answers, please know this: you’re not alone.
Permission to Step Back
It’s okay to focus on your family.
It’s okay to concentrate on your own health and peace of mind.
It’s okay to keep your energy for the people and things you can directly care for.
Looking after your own mental wellbeing is not selfish - it’s essential.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is, take a breath, and give yourself permission to pause - keep off your phone for a while and don’t go down that rabbit hole.
A Kinder Way Forward
I believe we need to give each other more grace. Those who speak up loudly should be mindful of their words - having an opinion doesn’t automatically make it the only ‘right’ one. Those who choose to stay quiet should never feel shamed for taking a gentler path. And for the people who have the courage to protest peacefully and in the right spirit, they have my respect too.
At the end of the day, we’re all trying to navigate an overwhelming world. And while none of us may have all the answers, we do have the power to show compassion in small ways:
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a thoughtful gesture to a friend,
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a moment of kindness to a stranger,
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or simply creating calm and comfort in our own homes.
Final Thought
The world may feel noisy and unsettled right now but remember this: it’s okay not to have all the answers. You don’t need to solve every problem or carry the weight of every debate.
I know it seems a bit cliché to say this, but lighting a candle and creating a happy home space with a beautiful scent really does help calm the mind. Add in a comforting tv boxset, an easy light-hearted book, or a favourite film you can lose yourself in, and suddenly the weight of the world feels a little lighter. As we move into autumn, it’s all about leaning into those safe, cosy spaces to unwind in - so make the most of them.
Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to look after yourself and your loved ones, create a little light in the darkness, and keep going - one small, thoughtful act at a time.
