This "New" World Scares Me, But I’m Ready

Let me get this out of the way — I'm hopeful, grateful, and ready... some days. Most of the time, this feeling is welded with a chaotic mess of a world. I wake up feeling overwhelmed by everything: the endless stream of information, the extreme weather, and the constant tug-of-war between what’s real and what’s just noise. It’s hard to know where to focus, what to trust, or how to make sense of it all. But you know what? Often, I meet incredible people, especially young ones, who are navigating all the same challenges—technology, anxiety, uncertainty—and yet, they still show up with kindness, with a willingness to serve, and with courage. The world might be different, but the goodness in people? That’s still here, stronger than ever.

Here are just a few things I'm thinking:

The Problem With All This Information?

We live in an age where information comes at us faster than we can process it. Not all of it is helpful. In fact, some of it is just downright confusing. Take this recent example from Hurricane Milton (yes, we’re naming our storms after cartoon characters now). A guy stayed on his boat through the storm, and social media dubbed him “Lt. Dan” (yes, from Forrest Gump). The internet loved him. But here’s the thing—do we know his full story? Was he actually in danger? Did we care, or were we just entertained by the drama? This unvetted, viral information creates a skewed sense of reality, especially for people who don’t have equal access to reliable information. It’s not just about missing context—it’s about how this noise influences public opinion, sometimes disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. We need to start thinking about who gets left out of these conversations, and how that impacts what we believe to be true.

Parenting in 2024—Yes, It’s Harder?

I’m pretty sure every generation has said, “Wow, this is the hardest time ever to be a parent.” And guess what? They were probably right. Parenting doesn’t get easier, it just evolves with the times. We’ve got theories like Spiral Dynamics and Integral Theory that suggest communities—and people—move through developmental stages over time. But here’s the kicker: things are going to keep evolving. Fast. It’s like the world is spiraling in a way that demands we talk about the hard stuff, the uncomfortable stuff, and somehow learn to find love through it all. That’s what we’re going to need to navigate this ever-complicated world.

Spirituality and the Need for Hope?

Your faith, whatever it may be, is yours. But I will make a statement - I hope, that you have hope. Hope is a crucial ingredient for communities to thrive. In family strengthening work, we know that hope and faith are among the most important factors in keeping people together. People who lose hope lose their reason to connect with others, to belong, to build. So, no matter what, we need to cultivate a sense of hope, both individually and collectively. Otherwise, we’re just floating, disconnected.

Technology Is Here to Stay—We Have to Make Peace With It?

Let’s be real—technology isn’t going anywhere. Blog after blog will tell you the same thing, but it’s not just an annoyance, it’s woven into the very fabric of our lives now. We can’t run from it, so we have to learn how to live with it. I, for one, need to get a grip on how to use it in a way that brings more good than bad into my life. It’s about balance: educating ourselves on what we’re using, setting boundaries (digital detoxes, anyone?), and learning to use tech in ways that support us without letting it control us. Sounds easy, right? Well, not really, but it’s a start.

Uncomfortable Conversations—We Need More of Them?

Let’s talk about what we’re not talking about. Uncomfortable conversations. We avoid them like the plague, but they’re exactly what we need. We need people who are ready to facilitate these tough talks in a way that makes everyone feel heard, even if no one ends up agreeing. Imagine if we could walk away from these conversations feeling more connected, even when we still disagree? That’s the kind of world I want to live in. That’s what builds communities. And honestly, the world could use a few more of us willing to dive into these conversations, knowing it’s going to be hard but also totally worth it.

3 Action Steps You Can Take Today?

1. Find Your Hope: Spend an hour today moving in a way that feels good for you—whether it’s walking, running, or simply being active. Use that time to reflect on what gives you hope. It might be tough to pinpoint, and it’s important not to ignore the challenges, but make an intentional effort to search for hope amidst it all.
2. Question the Information: Next time you come across something that sparks emotion online (whether it’s Hurricane Milton’s “Lt. Dan” or anything else), pause. Ask yourself: Is this the full story? Who benefits from this narrative? What voices are missing?
3. Start a Tough Conversation: Think about one tough conversation you’ve been avoiding—whether it’s with a friend, partner, or colleague. Initiate it with kindness. You don’t have to solve the problem today, but starting the conversation is a powerful step forward.

Yes, this new world is scary. But we’re all in this together, and we’re ready—whether we realize it or not. Let’s take on these challenges one step at a time, with a bit of humor, a lot of heart, and the belief that, despite it all, we’ve got what it takes.