Last night, as we sat for a late family dinner, we did the same thing we do every time: we went around the table, and each person shared two good things and one bad from the day. My daughter’s friend’s “bad” was that she feels hopeless and helpless at the moment. The simplicity with which she articulated such a vast, pervasive experience continues to weigh heavily on me. Kids are truth-tellers.
I have shared work by Jack Pierson before, and I woke this morning with the words from his work Helpless Hopeless (1991) in my mind. I am an eternal optimist and often speak about the importance of sitting with uncomfortable thoughts and ideas. Today is a day to say: I see your hopelessness and helplessness, and not try to make it better, not try to identify. Let the words and feelings hold the space they need and deserve.
