By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI Contra Costa President

A Moment of Hope

A lot is happening worldwide, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Many of us feel powerless, unheard, and uncertain about what the future holds. Yet, even in the darkest moments, there is still light.

What I thought would be a simple afternoon trip to a local community park was much more. It became a moment of reflection, a life lesson, and, most importantly, a reminder that hope still exists.

Sitting in the park for a couple of hours, I held back tears while watching innocent children play. At that moment, they were untouched by the chaos in the world. They laughed, ran, and connected, free from judgment, prejudice, or fear. They didn’t see color or difference. They saw classmates, neighbors, friends, or just another child.

Watching them brought back memories of my childhood. I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to the world I once believed in. I began asking myself how long these children could enjoy this freedom before the world taught them otherwise. Before they were exposed to hate, injustice, or the painful reality of racism. Before, their sense of safety would be replaced by fear or unresolved trauma.

As adults, parents, caretakers, and members of the community, these thoughts should weigh heavily on all of our hearts. What can we do to protect our children? When and how do we begin to prepare them for the truth of the world they are growing up in? And how do we do so in a way that preserves the purity of who they are, their joy, and the greatness within them?

In that moment of reflection, I turned inward and leaned on a tool that has guided me through many of life’s difficult seasons. It’s a resource I continue to use today that brings clarity, healing, and strength. I recommend this powerful visual exercise, a circle within a circle. The outer circle represents what is outside of our control, and the inner circle represents what is within our control. Recognizing the difference has tremendous power.

We cannot control the world, the actions of others, or persistent systemic issues. But we can control how we respond. We can choose to show up with intention, love, and purpose. We can inspire, encourage, educate, and empower our children to believe in themselves. We can help them understand who they are at their core. We can teach them to respect themselves and others, to value community, and to create safe spaces where they are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Most importantly, we can teach them to never let the world change who they are or how they see others. We must remind them they are never alone and their voice matters. Even in the face of adversity, they can find strength, and even when hope feels distant, they can carry it within or be the light and hope for someone else.

I invite you to try this simple yet powerful practice with your child or yourself. Draw a circle. Inside that circle, draw another. Label the outer circle “What’s Outside My Control” and the inner circle “What’s Within My Control.” Fill in each space with what applies to your current experiences. Then, spend time daily focusing on your inner circle—your power, influence, and choices.

What we focus on and feed will always grow. Let that inner circle become your anchor, your light, and your moment of hope.