Rx for Feeling Distracted and Fearful

April Blog 2026 by Storyteller Carol McCormick

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ~C.S. Lewis

There are so many things to worry about right now. Wars overseas and in our own country,

mounting political tensions, and the rising price of gasoline and groceries.

Honestly, at this point, I expect my receipt to come with a sympathy note.

Lately, I’m not my usual Pollyanna self who falls asleep the minute my head hits the pillow.

Now I lie awake… thinking… rethinking… and occasionally solving problems that do not belong to me.

And then, just when I do fall asleep, fear shows up like an uninvited houseguest and brings

nightmares.

My usually reliable memory? Gone. Vanished. Possibly on a beach somewhere sipping

something tropical.

I find myself mixing up dates and times—even though they are clearly written on my calendar.

In pen. Sometimes even in bold.

Apparently my brain now treats my calendar as “light suggestions.”

To counteract all this distraction and fear, I remind myself that neuroplasticity research says the brain doesn’t form new pathways without first disrupting the old ones.

Which is comforting… in the same way it’s comforting to know that remodeling your house

requires tearing down a wall.

We can’t think our way into a new reality using the same circuits. There has to be a break—a

pattern interruption.

So I’m trying (some days more successfully than others) to view disruption not as the end of the story, but as the plot twist.

A catalyst, not a destination.

A kind of cosmic shake-up that says, “Hey! Wake up! Pay attention! Maybe don’t keep doing

that thing you’ve been doing.”

Our world may need uncomfortable moments in order to grow empathy and social justice.

But still… I have questions.

• Is war ever a good solution?

• Are religions teaching love?

• Are rich people more valuable than poor people?

• Does money actually buy freedom… or just better clothes and cars?

• Do we have the courage to grow beyond our inherited beliefs and well-worn opinions?

• Do we value Truth—even when it makes us squirm a little?

• What kind of world do we want?

Because this planet really could be extraordinary… if we make wiser choices. (No pressure.)

Instead of spiraling into fear and despair, I’m trying to focus on happiness, my health, and

taking care of each other.

Also, I am closely monitoring my negative thoughts - which, by the way, have impeccable

timing and zero manners.

They show up unannounced and say things like: “You should be thinner, prettier, younger, more productive, and probably also better at folding fitted sheets.”

These thoughts are not helpful.

They sabotage my ability to accept and love myself—exactly as I am, warts and all.

And when I can quiet that inner critic, I notice something surprising: I become more patient, more generous, and a whole lot kinder to other people too. Imagine that.

I want to be what’s called a Tempered Radical—someone who helps people move through

difficult times with courage and compassion.

I do that the best way I know how: telling stories, having conversations, and occasionally

posting things on Facebook that may or may not get three likes and a confused emoji.

I’m also working on feeling grounded and safe in my own body—so I can embody courage and hope, not just talk about them.

To steady myself, I walk outside. I breathe.

And sometimes I sing “We are here and our love will carry us home.”

And I remind myself:

We are not brave because we are fearless. We are brave because we keep choosing laughter

and love - even when fear tries to run the show.