There's talking about it, and there's doing something about it

There is so much talk about what's not working right now, it's really starting to bug me. The wall, the Russians and now a growing disaster in Houston. 

Here's the thing. If you're talking about what's going on in the world right now, it may feel like you're getting somewhere. You're letting it out. You're letting people know.

All the social media likes can make you feel like it's progress, but it isn't helping solve the problem as much as doing something about it.

Now for the sake of us introverts who would rather get a colonoscopy than be at a rally, there are solid things you can do other than shout in public surrounded by a crowd. Lots of credit to those of you who have taken to the streets, and I hope you are doing more in the days after your marching. Lots of credit too to the journalists out there, keep doing what you do. 

Going back to the woman who inspired my #HugTour movement six years ago, Maya Angelou, "You have to give what you have to give."

Do YOUR thing. 

Some ideas to get you started:

• Talk to someone, in person, look them in the eye and really listen.

• Be an advocate at work, on the subway, in your family.

• Give your time, food, clothing, socks to shelters and people in need like my friend Jane Pearson of Janery who researched the best dog rescues to help near Houston.

• Run for office. Proud of my friends Sarah Salem and Jessica Segal for getting political.

• Open your business doors like Mattress Mack. How much do you love him?

And then tell everyone about it so they can too.

If those are hard to do, ask yourself: "What feels right to me? What can I give?" Then do it.

Buddhist leaders Thich Nhat Hanh and The Dalai Lama believe meditation puts that calming energy into our environment, helping the people around you as much as it helps you. I've seen how a smile can change the room I'm in and conversations I'm having, why can't breathing deeply and approaching difficult moments with peace do the same thing?

I'm meditating more and thinking about all of you when I do. 

I'm also thinking about you when I send emails, when we get on the phone together, when we hug and with the words I use when I speak to strangers.  

Do something about how you feel. We're better for it when you do. 

One last thing -- your career relates to this too. You can wish to be more appreciated by colleagues or for a better salary, but doing something about it will actually make things better. You'll get more confidence, power, control. You also get valued, respected, paid well. 

The fall is approaching fast around here, and so while you're doing something about our political and environmental situations, make good choices about your job too.

I'm here to help.

Who needs a hug?

I feel utterly bombarded. How about you? 

I can't look on Twitter or Facebook, in the news, or on TV without seeing hate and feeling lost, sad, angry, overwhelmed. Last night I asked my private community what they needed in order to feel more ready to face another Monday morning and the overwhelming response was HUGS. 

Of course. That's what is needed. Warmth wrapped around you, holding you, reminding you you're going to be alright, that we have each other.  

I'm sending you a giant hug right now. Close your eyes, take a breath and take in the love coming to you. 

I believe there is as much LOVE in the world as hate, we just need to turn our attention there. We need to see the love around us. The people who are generously giving their time, money, energy, ideas in service of others, and the people who show simple human kindness as you go about a normal day.

You don't have to quit your job, or become complacent with politics, in order to give and receive LOVE. It's here always. 

Hugs, after all, are little acts, a thank-you, holding open a door, sharing a smile with a stranger. See those moments in your life and make more happen. Buy someone coffee and hug a loved one tighter than you did the last time you met.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. There's also something easy to do about it. 

This HUG is for you. It's from Jeanie who, with her husband Gene, runs a soup kitchen in Virginia and gives some of the best hugs I've ever received. They hug anyone who walks through the door on Friday mornings. I can still feel this one, and had to share. 

I hope you can feel it, too. xoxo