Meet Me In The Middle: Protecting Your Peace
- Jordan Minter
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
This week I planned to share a bit about my battle with imposter syndrome and how I worked through those inner doubts while writing ⬇️
BUT, I've found myself completely distracted and a bit overwhelmed by the global news.
As someone who has spent nearly two decades traveling internationally and working with people from all over the world, my heart has been heavy thinking about the wars, conflicts, and genocides happening for so long, in so many countries. In the words of Aibileen from The Help, "Ain't you tired (Mrs. Hilly)?"
Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, Gaza, Israel, Ethiopia, Syria, the list goes on. These are not just places on the map. When I see the headlines, I immediately think of the people I have met and their families, some of which I'm unsure if I will ever communicate with again.
So, what do we do? How do we quiet the noise and go on about our day to day?
Where do we place the guilt that comes from being removed enough to watch these, frankly, horrifying news cycles from the safety of our homes?
Do we engage in the water cooler conversations about what's happening?
Keep doom scrolling on social media?
Is that an effective use of time and focus when there are emails that still need answering, businesses that need our attention, and team members, clients, or family that still rely on us to show up?
This space is exhausting.
As human begins, we’re wired for empathy. Connection. But we’re not wired to process an endless stream of global crisis every day while also performing at full capacity in our personal lives.
How does this show up in our bodies?
When we’re exposed to constant stress, uncertainty, or fear (even indirectly) our nervous system responds as if we’re under threat.
You may notice:
Restlessness
Trouble focusing
Emotional fatigue
Tightness in your body (shoulders, jaw, chest)
A sense of being "on edge" even when you're technically safe
This is your body’s natural response to what's happening around you. Your nervous system is working to protect you. But if it stays activated for too long, it becomes harder to stay present, grounded, and effective in your work and personal life.
That’s where intentional self-regulation becomes essential.
5 Small Practices to Settle Your System
Regulating your nervous system restores balance and doesn't require complicated routines.
Often, small, consistent actions make the biggest difference:
1️⃣ Limit how much you take in.
Choose one or two trusted sources for news. Give yourself permission to disconnect from the constant refresh cycle.
2️⃣ Anchor into your body.
Movement helps discharge built-up tension. Walk, stretch, breathe deeply, or simply place your feet flat on the ground and feel the support beneath you. One of my girlfriends takes a quick reset shower when she's feeling anxiety build up in her body. Water is an excellent regulator.
3️⃣ Focus your attention.
When your mind is pulled in many directions, bring it back to one small, immediate task. That clear focus helps settle mental overwhelm.
4️⃣ Make space for rest.
Short moments of pause, even a few minutes of quiet, nature, or intentional stillness, give your nervous system a chance to reset.
5️⃣ Stay connected.
Sometimes, the simple presence of steady, supportive people can help regulate your system more than anything you do alone.
Awareness and well-being can co-exist.
You can stay informed while protecting your capacity to lead and serve.
✨ If you’re finding it hard to stay grounded in this season, I’d be honored to support you. Let’s connect.
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