It’s July 7th and even though the sun is shining, things feel a bit grey today. As I write this newsletter, children’s lives have been lost during an historic flood in Texas and the “Big Beautiful Bill” has passed, creating a devastating ripple effect in healthcare and social services. I feel as if I’m writing a newsletter in 2020 all over again. Moral distress remains at the top of the list for professionals working with children and families. The people I work with most, healthcare professionals and educators of all types, are experiencing a great deal of pain and concern over the state of the world. From funding cuts, medical misinformation, child safety, natural disasters taking lives of children, and sweeping policy changes, it seems that children, families and those who serve them are paying a high price. Not to mention a general feeling that the health and wellbeing of children and their families are not prioritized. 

I want to give you all permission to not be okay. I want to give you permission to rest and recover. I want to give you permission to acknowledge the collective pain we feel. 

You don’t have to do all of the things all of the time.

You alone are not responsible for systemic change. 

You can’t solve all of the world’s problems. 

You’re allowed to tackle one patient, one student, one meeting at a time. 

You’re allowed to ask for help. 

You’re allowed to engage in acts of self-preservation. 

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, but there are a few things I know for sure – there are incredible professionals in the world championing exceptional work for children and families. When you can, look for the little glimmers of hope in a world that feels heavy right now. 

Here are a few of mine:

• My daughter is relatively pain-free after recovering from ACL surgery
• My son is delighting in his new job
• My husband treks back and forth safely between his job and our home
• My family is healthy
• I love the professionals with whom I work – my team and the folks we work with are beautiful humans

I know these might seem small, but right now, I’m digesting all of the glimmers I can amidst the chaos. I hope you allow yourself to do the same. 

And if you need two days of love, support, continuing education and surrounding yourself with like-minded champions, I hope you put November 6-7 on your calendar this fall. 

Do something for yourself! Reach out for support and love.