Hi ,
These are outrageous times.
The endless stream of distressing news, injustice, and suffering can stir a deep emotional response in any caring person.
And rightly so.
But staying resilient — and connected to what truly matters — takes more than good intentions.
It requires being intentional about what we allow into our awareness.
It requires curating our inputs.
Coming from a technical background, I tend to think of everything we experience — sights, sounds, words, interactions — as inputs.
And here’s the thing:
Our nervous system has to process every single input we experience.
When we’re exposed to a continuous stream of distressing inputs — especially through doomscrolling headlines, social media, and nonstop breaking news — our nervous system reacts.
It starts pouring stress hormones into our system, preparing us to respond to threat after threat.
And we are learning organisms whose systems adapt to experience.
Right now, there’s a tsunami of distressing information rushing toward us every day.
It’s one thing to experience distress once — it’s another to experience it twenty times before noon.
So when this happens constantly, day after day, we’re literally teaching our brains to rewire for stress.
We become primed for vigilance, anxiety, and exhaustion.
And chronic stress doesn’t just impact our mood — it quietly erodes our health, relationships, and professional effectiveness.
It shapes how we show up at work, how we lead, and how we connect with others.
Managing what we take in isn’t about denying reality.
It’s about protecting our resilience so we can take effective action when it matters most.
Taking things in mindfully — choosing when, what, and how much you allow into your awareness — is an essential act of kindness to yourself, your work, and the people you serve.
This practice of curating your inputs — learning to protect and sustain your presence and resilience — is a core part of the work I do with clients inside my programs and courses.
When we learn to take care of what we allow in, we take better care of how we show up — for ourselves, for others, and for the work that truly matters.
Resilience isn’t just about surviving hard times personally.
It’s a professional advantage — helping you communicate more clearly, lead more authentically, and sustain meaningful influence even under pressure.
So today, I’m gently encouraging you to join me:
- Limit how often you check headlines
- Notice when you’re doomscrolling and step back
- Be aware when conversations or interactions drain your energy
And just as importantly —
Connect intentionally to the natural sources of goodness in the world.
The sunsets.
The small moments of laughter.
The everyday acts of kindness that rarely make the headlines but deeply shape our lives.
This is crucial.
In the same way you teach your brain “this world is dangerous and unfair” by overexposing it to anxiety-provoking inputs, you can teach your brain “this world is also beautiful and sacred.”
And that shift has a direct, immediate effect on the quality of your life — and your leadership.
Done frequently, it’s one of the most powerful things you can do for your well-being, your relationships, and your professional resilience.
It’s all about balance.
Outrage is real.
But it cannot be your home.
As RuPaul once said:
“You can look at the darkness, but don’t stare at it.”
And as I sometimes say:
“In a world with unlimited suffering and unlimited beauty, who do you choose to be?”
In these challenging times, prioritizing your presence and resilience isn’t just self-care.
It’s leadership.
The world needs your heart, your voice, and your grounded wisdom — now more than ever.
Stay present,
Brett