Some days, Reader, it's hard for me to see anything but the tragedy in life.

Now, if you've been following me for any amount of time, you might know I tend to walk on the sunny side of the street.☀️

But today feels cloudy, no matter what the weather.

First, I'm reflecting on the September 11, 2001 attacks, 24 years ago but still recent in my memories and those of others I know. That includes a friend whose longtime companion was a fire department official onsite --he died earlier this year of 9-11 related cancers.

I'm thinking about the family of Charlie Kirk, a political activist killed yesterday in my country—shocking no matter what your politics. Closer to home, I'm thinking about Julia and her family, whose house incinerated in the California wildfires in January. Or Sabrina or Melissa or April and their families, tackling cancer battles.

It all hurts. 💔

The philosophers muse that without pain, we wouldn't know joy. I get it--but hey Muse, I'd sure like a crack at trying.

When tragedy strikes, it's natural to want to shield ourselves from emotion. But here's what I've learned: emotion has its place.

Emotion gives us clarity about our values. Noticing what hurts is a clue to what we value—and what we don't.

Plus, emotion puts us in motion. Neutrality ("I don't care") is a pause button; feeling something helps us move onward.

So, my dear Reader, today I encourage you to give yourself permission to feel what you feel. It's just human. You might have personal tragedies and dramas that weigh heavy but are never seen by another. Or you might be feeling the world's weight.

I see you. You're not alone. You can always hit REPLY and share your story with me--I'm a real human on the other side of this email.

So today, I'll encourage you to notice what stirs your heart—good or bad—and ask yourself, “What does this tell me about what matters most right now?” That’s where clarity lives, and where we're the most likely to put on our red cape and soar.

Appreciate you more than you know. Take care of you, because you matter more than ever. ❤️

Always, Darcy

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