How Do I Stop the World’s Chaos from Consuming Me?
Posted on July 25, 2025 by Anne Scottlin, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
How to protect your peace, stay present, and bring more joy into the world without being consumed by the world’s suffering.
Someone in France messaged me today and asked, “How can I avoid being affected by all the horrible things happening in this crazy world?”
Wherever you live in the world, this is such a real, relevant, honest question and one that almost all of us struggle with at some time or another. I’ll share with you what I shared with him.
I am a very empathetic and sensitive soul. I have struggled my whole life trying not to let the suffering I witness in other people and animals sink my own psyche into a dark depression.
But now I’ve awakened to one realization that really helps me…
When I allow myself to take on pain and suffering that is not my own, I am actually doubling the pain I originally witnessed. And the more I think about it, the more I invite that pain to grow and have a home in me.
When I do this, I am actually creating more suffering in the world. I am also not my best self; I don’t bring much joy to others, I’m depressed, and I’m less likely to be motivated to create change. I lean dangerously toward nihilism.
So my new method is to make the changes I can, release the things I absolutely can do nothing about, and focus instead on creating and bringing more joy into my world so I can generously share it with the world around me.
By removing suffering that is not my own and making room for joy instead, I bring joy to my family, my friends, my clients all over the world, people I encounter every day, my three rescue dogs, and wild animals. I do my bit towards restoring balance.
I can still stay informed, be present, be helpful, and create change. I can lead by example, including generating more joy and comfort wherever I go.
This awakening has given me a new lease on life. And I love it.
What thoughts arise for you?
