20 Comments
User's avatar
Yukun Wu's avatar

Yes, Julie, I do think that I'm in charge of yourself.

Weirdly, if I don't feel my life's working at some stage, it is rarely because the news cycle is getting to me. I think that everything in my life is in order at least during this month though.

Expand full comment
Julie Lythcott-Haims's avatar

i'm glad the news cycle isn't getting to you, Yukun 🙏🏽

Expand full comment
Jackie Rothstein's avatar

Thank you again for your words. My amygdala is certainly activated. I’m scared, anxious, devastated and feel a moral obligation not to look away. Bit not looking away has also left me feeling depleted and hopeless. And I know those emotions help no one. To see your reminder of the resilience to be found in small acts of kindness and joy, when I have resisted my reminders of the same...just needed that today.

Expand full comment
Julie Lythcott-Haims's avatar

Jackie I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner. Just wanted to pop in and thank you for sharing your feelings. Hope you have a good week!

Expand full comment
Jackie Rothstein's avatar

No worries...life is always moving and shifting our attention. But it’s funny that this comment showed up after reading your recent post about kindness. I used to dismiss that bumper sticker “practice random acts of kindness” as a residual of summer of love, even a bit flaky, now, when we often feel alienated and separate, it feels more and more crucial. Your concern at not responding is an act of kindness that I really appreciate because I will admit that I did look a couple of times to see if you responded. Don’t know why...I guess connection. While I first came to read you on the subject of “adulting” I continue to do so for your empathy and kindness.

Expand full comment
Julie Lythcott-Haims's avatar

These small connections are so vital I agree. I had COVID first week of Nov so I got behind on checking for comments! I'm glad for both of us that I found it 😊

Expand full comment
Jackie Rothstein's avatar

Hope you are back in good health!

Expand full comment
Julie Lythcott-Haims's avatar

i am. thank you so much. I took Paxlovid which really helped!

Expand full comment
Mary Indritz's avatar

I needed this message, thank you. My daughter is in Stockholm, Sweden doing her semester abroad and called this morning to say how exciting it was to be able to get tickets for Madonna in concert and my guts clenched at the thought of her in an arena... shooter, Hamas fulfilling is oath to punish Sweden, stampede. My projecting that into her would have gotten me a lecture from her on her ability to stay safe (at 21) so I didn't give there. Now I'll worry. So, thank you for getting me off the ledge and not letting this week's horrific news make my life small.

Expand full comment
Julie Lythcott-Haims's avatar

that must have been so worrisome. mama to mama, i FEEL that. i hope it was a wonderful concert Mary!

Expand full comment
Claudette's avatar

Can’t share this valuable piece with a friend who needs to read it. Help!

Expand full comment
Susan Charles's avatar

This is hopeful and comforting, thank you!

Expand full comment
Julie Lythcott-Haims's avatar

I'm so glad Susan

Expand full comment
Ravi's avatar

Thank you, Julie, for another reminder of our human light. So much has been happening. It caused me to write, "the world feels like it's made of Swiss cheese, and we keep falling into holes." Power for power's sake, ambition for ambition's sake, makes holes in our world. We always have to keep renewing ourselves with empathy and compassion for each other, and deep relatedness and love. I don't need to add to the beauty of what you wrote, but hopefully others might like this: Which of Six Power Types Will You Embody and Support? | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-pacific-heart/202209/which-six-power-types-will-you-embody-and-support

Expand full comment
Julie Lythcott-Haims's avatar

Thank you Ravi. I continue to be inspired by your words

Expand full comment
Ravi's avatar

People become people through other people. Thanks for helping people become their best selves. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Expand full comment
Alisha Creel's avatar

"Kindness and gratitude are your superpowers, so pour them into every cup you see." Stitching this on a pillow! Thank you for these words, they are such an important reminder.

Expand full comment
Julie Lythcott-Haims's avatar

Thank you Alisha

Expand full comment