It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the immense suffering in the world. The devastation of war weighs heavily on the heart. Yet letting sorrow consume you won’t ease the pain or bring change. Instead, it can pull you deeper into despair, making it harder to see the good that still remains.
In a letter to a student grappling with similar emotions, Dr. Thomas Cleary shared this insight: “It’s no use mourning for a self-destructive world. It just increases the toll of victims and the devil’s triumph. Keep your sanity where the world can’t reach it. Celebrate the humanity that is within you. Be grateful that it hasn’t been lost.”
Let these words guide you, Jawad. Protect your inner peace—that’s where your strength lies.
Guard that sanctuary within. It’s what keeps you resilient, helping you show up with kindness, clarity, and courage. It’s okay to acknowledge the hurt, but don’t let it harden your heart or cloud your vision. Even in moments of difficulty, remember: your calm presence and steady faith—they matter.
You can’t control the world, but you can control how you respond to it. True change begins with you. By staying anchored in compassion and embracing hope, you contribute to healing in ways that aren’t always visible but are no less powerful.
Trust in your peace, Jawad. By holding onto it, you may help others find their own.
Nor can you change the world, but you can change the world around you.
"You can’t control the world, but you can control how you respond to it. True change begins with you."
A good example of the 'circle of concern versus the circle of influence'.