From Flicker to Flame

How to Find Courage and Meaning in Challenging Times

I’ll be honest; I’ve felt some existential dread lately. Between hurricane floods here in NC, the election, wildfires in LA, and now the inauguration, I’m shaken. Some nights, its weight keeps me awake. Yet, a couple of days ago, I felt a flicker of something like hope, inspiration, or excitement. I can’t quite name it, but it was a feeling of aliveness.

Embracing Challenges: The Catalyst for Growth

I love a good challenge. Challenges force me to dig deep—to rise above complacency, projections, judgments, and insecurities. They demand that I show up. And while the enormity of the world’s challenges can feel overwhelming, that flicker reminded me of something crucial: When I can get out of my own way, I connect to my intelligence, courage, and capability. I feel a sense of purpose and meaning. I remember that I am here now for a reason. I am needed. My presence matters now more than ever. And that changes everything.

"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." – The Talmud

(St. Joseph Sound, FL 2020)

That flicker was tiny, but it was enough. Enough to remind me that I can nurture it into a flame that could grow into a steady fire. A fire that warms and sustains me, one I tend with care. A fire I can share, helping others ignite their own—responsibly and safely—so they, too, can light the way for others.

Who Will You Be in This Moment?

Right now, it feels like the world is crashing down around us… and maybe it is. So, I ask myself: Who do I want to be at such a time as this? Do I want to sit at home, paralyzed by fear and anger, doom-scrolling on social media? Do I want to do nothing and watch it all burn? Or do I want to take action—action that aligns with who I am, action that gives me a more profound sense of meaning and purpose?

Action as an Antidote: The Science of Resilience

In the face of trauma, taking action—even small action—can transform us. Trauma research shows that those who act during crises are less likely to develop PTSD. Taking action—measured, mindful action, not flailing about—gives us a sense of agency and competence that protects us from feeling powerless. It helps regulate our nervous systems and keeps us grounded.

"Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something is worth doing no matter how it turns out." – Václav Havel

Nature’s Wisdom: Lessons from the Antelope

Look at the antelope on the savannah. Every day, they live with the reality of mortal danger, yet they graze peacefully, relaxed and aware. When the chase is on, they trust their bodies to respond—and when the threat passes, they shake off the fear and return to grazing within minutes. This is balance. This is resilience. And this is how we’re wired, too.

(Autumn 2024. I couldn’t find any antelope around.)

Insights from Combat Veterans

Combat veterans also offer a powerful example. Studies show that soldiers who actively engage during combat—making decisions or helping others—are less likely to develop PTSD than those who don’t take action. It’s not always possible to act, but when it is, action helps us hold on to our humanity amid chaos.

Answering the Call: Overcoming Fear and Apathy

So, who do I want to be? My default tendency, rooted in family trauma, is to hide and play small. To retreat. And, honestly, I’m good at it—it’s comfortable. But my calling—the deep, inner pull that won’t let me go—asks something else of me. It asks me to step up for a world in desperate need. My despair, fear, anger, and judgment only grow when I hide out and ignore the call.

Rising to the Challenge: A Personal Resolve

I see so many people suffering deeply right now. It’s understandable. Things aren’t looking so good. There are nights I lie awake worrying about the future—for myself, the children, the animals, this breathtakingly beautiful Earth. My heart breaks, and it should. But then I must get up and get to work—work that aligns with who I am and what I have to give, not what someone else tells me it should be.

From Fear to Empowerment

We can’t make a difference behind screens, trapped in judgment and fear. If we want to save ourselves and this planet, we must act. And yes, it’s scary. But it’s also exhilarating. That flicker of excitement, inspiration, and empowerment is real. It’s the spark that reminds me that I can make a difference.

You Hold the Power to Act

We can all act. YOU can act. Even in the face of fear and dread. And when we do, something extraordinary happens. The fear doesn’t vanish—it doesn’t need to. Fear holds intelligence; it deserves space. But as we make room for fear without letting it consume us, something else emerges: confidence, clarity, purpose, fulfillment, hope, and even joy.

Let’s Light the Way

So, let’s tend to our flickers. Let’s nurture them into flames. Let’s fan those flames into safe, responsible fires—fires that sustain us, guide us, and inspire others rather than the fires that are destroying. The world needs your light—what you uniquely offer—now more than ever.

(Vieques 2023)

Let’s Connect

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you feeling some existential dread? How are you dealing with it? What are you being called to right now? Feel free to comment using the button below. I always appreciate hearing from you. And a “like” would feel so good and help me connect to more folks. I appreciate you!