I’m so comfortable I feel guilty!

Since You Asked: Uncommon Advice from Cary Tennis

Dear Cary, I’m feeling guilty these days about how comfortable my pandemic experience is. I mean, I feel the weight of the chaos going on, for sure. But my family is healthy, our home is comfortable, we can get groceries delivered, our income is steady, etc.

I see other people struggling financially, and especially those fighting the good fight for justice, and I wonder why I lucked out while others are suffering? Like another recent letter-writer you responded to, I’m dealing with my own inner struggles, so getting out and marching isn’t the best option for me. But, I feel like I’m riding the coattails of the people doing the real work. I spend time in prayer and meditation, and that helps because I believe I’m contributing on that level, at least, to the overall health and goodness of the planet. We’re supporting causes with what we can, and started tithing as a way to be more intentional about it. But this feeling that I should be doing more always returns, and along with it the guilt.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you experienced any of these feelings? How are you dealing with them?

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