How to Focus Your Energy When Everything Feels Like a Crisis

In this episode, I am exploring a difficult but necessary question: How do we find joy when the "weeds" of life feel overwhelming?I discuss the vital difference between reacting to an acute crisis and sustaining yourself for the long haul. I share what I am witnessing on the ground, including the incredible mutual aid groups delivering food, walking kids to school, and supporting neighbors in need. We also talk about the importance of not looking away while still protecting your peace.Finally, I share a personal story about a recent trip to Arizona where I made a purposeful choice to be "dazzled" by the little things (even wild boars) to refill my cup. If you are feeling burned out, anxious about the state of the world, or just tired, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:00:00 Welcome to Wonder in the Weeds02:07 The reality of the current crisis and occupation in the Twin Cities05:49 How to decide where to focus your energy when everything feels urgent11:19 The power of community care: Meal trains, rides, and mutual aid18:35 Managing news consumption to avoid burnout23:27 Why holding space for immigrant rights and women’s safety matters27:42 "Instructions for living": Mary Oliver and the choice to be dazzled30:01 A lesson from Arizona: Finding wonder in travel mishaps and natureAbout the Show:Wonder in the Weeds is where I explore how we live, love, and grow alongside the grief and messiness of being human. As a trauma and crisis expert, I created this podcast to help us find the light in the day-to-day monotony or trauma of regular life.Moving beyond the role of the "blank slate" therapist, I combine my professional experience with personal stories of challenge and reinvention. We aren't about toxic positivity or influencer-style advice. Instead, this is a space for authentic connection, community, and understanding that we don't have to wait for life to be perfect to feel good.Connect with me:➡️ Website: https://thewonder.life/ Get full access to Cristie Ritz-King, PsyD at critzking.substack.com/subscribe