Life has changed. (And not just because it snowed 4-6 inches last night…just as everything’s clearing out.)

The Vermont governor just issued a “shelter in place” order that lasts till April 15th (weird date, but he didn’t ask me).

…even beyond that though, life will continue to be different.

Economically. Socially. Physically.

But I’m choosing to act from a place of hope.

I want to be moved and motivated by hope…instead of fear.

So I put a deposit down on a new apartment and set a move-in date for April 25. I’m brainstorming where I want to hike to celebrate my birthday in June (30 miles in one day…I’m still just in the brainstorming phase…). I made a reading list longer than my arm (and I have abnormally long arms). And I’m planning letter of the week activities from now to the end of time (because I’m employed for the moment…and when all is said and done, kids still get excited about letters and I’m here for that!).

Don’t freak out – I’m thinking through my decisions and being wise in what I do. I’m just not letting the world’s chaos become my own.

Back in the day when I was running after school programs in a Nashville community center (a year ago…that was a year ago…), kids would have their moments. You know the kind. We all have them. When the kid finally slowed down for a breath, I’d rest a hand on their shoulder and ask, “Are you adding calm or are you adding chaos?” They’d notice what was going on around them, consider how their actions affected the situation, and adjust…because we all wanted calm.

That’s what you want too, right? Calm? So as the world seems to be falling into shambles around you, take a breath. Look at the situation…consider how your actions affect the situation…and adjust.

Move forward with hope and calm. It’s better than hoarding toilet paper.