How to Show Up When Times Feel Heavy

This week I’ve been thinking about how we communicate during hard moments.

Every morning I drop off my daughter Simone at her preschool in Berkeley. Two of her teachers are from Tehran. Over the past week I’ve noticed the worry in their eyes. They both have loved ones back home.

At the same time, the preschool just shared that after nearly 60 years it will be closing. Berkeley has opened public TK. That is a wonderful development for many families, but it has had unexpected consequences for local preschools.

Then you zoom out: War. AI changing work. ICE. Layoffs across industries.

For many people, things feel heavy right now. It makes me think about how we show up for each other in moments like this. I don’t want to pretend everything is normal. I also don’t want to ask questions that put someone on the spot or make them emotional at work.

Two small things feel helpful.

1. Acknowledge what someone might be carrying

You do not need perfect words.

-“I’ve been thinking about you.” -“I can only imagine this is hard.” -“How are you doing?”

Simple recognition can mean a lot.

2. Appreciate the effort it takes to show up

In difficult moments, even being present takes energy. A small acknowledgment goes a long way.

“Thank you for being here today.” “I appreciate everything you’re doing for the kids.”

Good communication is not always about saying something profound. Sometimes it is simply noticing what others might be carrying and responding with a little more humanity. That is what I am trying to practice this week.