Each day, as I scroll through the headlines, my heart aches at the cruelty of leaders whose decisions harm the most vulnerable among us. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

How do we protect our hearts from growing apathetic or indifferent in the face of so much suffering?

The answer lies in allowing ourselves to feel. Sadness, anger, and grief are natural responses to injustice. Suppressing these emotions only leads to numbness, so give yourself permission to process them. If it feels like too much to bear alone, seek support from a friend, an online support group, therapist, or life coach.

More than ever, I’m drawn to teachings about tenderness, compassion, and radical love. In a world that can feel so cold, I hold fast to this truth: love is the ultimate force for transformation—and love never fails. I’m especially inspired by Greg Boyle’s stories of lives being changed through the power of tenderness, connection, and unconditional love.

I also believe in the healing power of joy, laughter, and connection. These aren’t distractions but essential tools to sustain our ability to care deeply.

By staying present to both the beauty and the brokenness of life, we ensure our hearts remain soft. And in that, we find the strength to keep going.