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Feeling A Little Overwhelmed with the World?
- susanjhall
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 30
The other evening, Tim and I sat at the table with our respective laptops.
I let out a heavy sigh.
Tim looked up. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Oh,” I said, “I was just checking the headlines. I feel like I have to brace for impact whenever I check the news these days.”
I'm still trying to find that elusive balance between being informed and wanting to jump off a ledge. Between wars, political drama, economic uncertainty, and the relentless barrage of information coming at us every day, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by things we have little or no control over.
I think part of the reason so many of us feel stressed, overwhelmed and on edge is that we spend so much time focused on things we can't control, that we lose sight of what we can.
Recently, I had an experience that reminded me of the power we do have, in a world where we often feel powerless.
While I was in Florida this past spring, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Big Dog Ranch Rescue as part of the rescue effort involving the Ridglan Farms beagles.
If you're not familiar with the story, this was a massive, organized effort to save over 1500 beagles from a laboratory research and breeding facility in Wisconsin. These sweet beagles, bred solely for laboratory experiments due to their affectionate and resilient nature, had never experienced the simple pleasures most of our beloved dogs enjoy: rolling in grass, playing with toys, belly rubs, ear scratches, treats, walks in the sun...
Instead, they spent their entire lives in warehouses, stacked on top of each other in cages, multiple dogs crammed together. Their feet had never touched fresh grass, or soft blankets and bedding.
It was a Big Problem.
And what difference could I, as just one volunteer, possibly make?
But here's what struck me.
While awful things had happened, thousands of people were choosing to not look away.
Rescue groups organized.
Concerned citizens protested.
Advocates worked to strengthen animal welfare laws.
Drivers traveled hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to transport dogs to safety.
Volunteers and veterinarians across the country donated their time, money, talent, and love.
One person couldn't save thousands of beagles.
But thousands of people could each do something.
And together, we did.
To date, Big Dog Ranch has received over 8000 applications to adopt these beagles. That's eight times the number of beagles they have at their shelter or in foster homes.
That’s a win.
Today, my social media feed is filled with photos and videos of these sweet dogs, acclimating to their loving new lives - stepping out into the sunshine for the first time, sometimes tentatively and shaking at first. What a joy it is to see them discover how to play, and explore, lean in for snuggles, and find their generous beagle voices.
(Scroll down to pet the beagles with me!)
These dogs, once known only by the numbers tattooed in their ears, are finally getting the chance to be dogs. CE-10887, AJ-4434, CL-9812, and BR-0049 are now Oliver, Molly, Cricket, and Francine. They have toys to play with, blankets to curl up in and, most of all, kind-hearted people who are falling hard and fast in love with their sweet, brave, resilient souls.
That's a win.
Sometimes we convince ourselves that if we can't solve the whole problem, there's no point doing anything at all.
But that's simply not true.
If I help one rescue dog on his journey to a loving home, that's a win.
If I help that elderly man load groceries into his car, that's a win.
If I vote, that’s a win.
If I stay curious and listen instead of letting myself get triggered and reacting immediately, that's a win.
If I encourage someone who is struggling, that's a win.
If I dedicate my time, talents and money to a cause I believe in, that's a win.
If I leave a room, a conversation, or one person just a tiny bit lighter than how I found them, that's a win.
In our turbulent, often divisive times, with its destructive cacophony of outrage and finger-pointing, our world does not need another frantic voice joining the chorus of “Ain't it awful?!"
This negative spiraling chips away at our power.
It chips away at hope.
When the world feels overwhelming, don't start with the world's problems.
Start with your circle around you. Start with what's possible. Start with just one small thing.
Volunteer. Write a check. Contribute your talent. Donate to your cause.
Hope isn't built by people who can do everything.
It's built by people like you and me who choose to do something.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Meade
Stay Strong. Stay Kind.
With so much love,
Susan
Happiness Practice
What’s one, small Fast Action you can take today to make a positive difference in the day of someone you encounter?
🐾 Interested in doing something to help? 🐾
If the Ridglan beagels' story touched your heart, consider supporting organizations that rescue and rehome former research animals, advocating for alternatives to animal testing, or contacting your elected officials about animal welfare legislation. Every voice matters, and every act of compassion helps create a better future for animals
Humane World for Animals — animal protection, rescue, education, and advocacy
Beagle Freedom Project— specifically rescues and rehomes animals used in research.
The Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary - provides sanctuary and adoption for former research animals.
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