The start of a new year, a new decade, usually brings feelings of excitement, anticipation, and hope. What will the next decade look like? How will we fare in the face of its challenges? Will we achieve our dreams?

But the start of this year feels different.

There is a palpable darkness in the air. Fires, floods, potential war — those who can feel it are feeling it HARD. The overwhelm is real, friends. What place is there for hope when all seems so bleak and hopeless? How do we keep shining in the face of such adversity?

The rise in fear is creating a corresponding fall in the collective energy at a time when we need it the most. The temptation to surrender hope is strong, especially when others seem to go about their daily lives without even noticing the extent of the tragedies around them. It makes the weight we carry so much heavier, the darkness so much darker.

But all is not lost.

For all of the horrific things that are happening in the world right now, there is a shitload of incredibly positive ones. To raise the energy back up again, it is imperative that we focus on these things.

People from all over the world are responding to the unprecedented fires in Australia with love, compassion, and community.

We’re close to eradicating some diseases and even some cancers.

The ozone layer is repairing itself.

Vegetarianism and veganism are fricking mainstream, people.

We are tackling the plastic crisis with innovation and ingenuity.

Awareness of environmental issues is at a record high.

When it comes to impact that we are having on this beautiful planet, people are starting to

Wake. The. Hell. Up.

Yes, these times are bleak, these times are scary, and these times are downright fucking dark.

But y’all know what our girl Florence says – it’s always darkest before the dawn. (You’ll be singing that all day as well now. You’re welcome).

Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels — Photo by **Daria Shevtsova** from **Pexels**

The world is going through some painful growth stages right now and things are getting a little bumpy. But we asked for it – the balance between want and need is way off. Our magnificent Mother Nature always redresses the balance, whether we like it or not. She is giving us the alarm calls we need, it’s up to us how we respond to them. It’s up to us to choose which wolf to feed.

Don’t let the overwhelm paralyse you. Don’t let global negativity consume you. Beat the system by focusing on the positive. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t acknowledge and work with your own shadow but become very aware of the impact of planetary pessimism on it. Be present, keep your intentions pure, and make RECKLESS LOVE and RADICAL COMPASSION the order of the day.

This could be the beginning of the end, or it could simply be the beginning. The beginning of a better way, a better future, a better society.

Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels — Photo by **Matheus Bertelli** from **Pexels**

If it is the beginning of a better way, then the world needs us to stand up, shine bright and keep the positive collective energy beaming around the globe like a warm, protective blanket.

Be a fucking MAGNIFICENT ray of hope in these darkest of times.

Share the love, share the joy and help to raise the energy just a little every day.

Let’s welcome in the new phase with open hearts and open arms.

If the overwhelm sometimes gets a little too much to deal with, practicing mindful meditation is an amazing way to manage it. It also happens that meditation is one of the best ways to improve your craft. Double win, right? I wrote a post on how to use meditation to improve your craft on my own blog, feel free to wander on over and have a peruse!

Beaming shiny love rays right at your face!

Louisa