No matter where you live in this vast country, the past week has been a tough one. From deadly wildfires in California to deadly arctic conditions up and down the East Coast, to crazy in a little town called Washington, all of which has left us feeling an array of unfathomable devastation and crippling dread. Searching my previous posts reveal many such moments when tragedy spoke loudly and brought us to our knees. Watching people rise from such suffering is indeed miraculous and this January asks nothing less. But there is much to do before we will be upright, for first we must nurture our selves. Thankfully there are generous people to help us do just that, and they don’t ask for a dime. Read on to hear about two such gems.

In at least a half a dozen posts, I have written about Yoga with Adriene a yoga teacher who posts free videos on her YouTube channel, from aggressive core workouts to simple breath-work to guide your meditation. Sure, you can pay for more access on her Find What Feels Good site, but you can simply start each day by stretching with someone who tells you how terrific you are for making such a good decision for yourself. Regardless of my mood, I leave my mat believing in myself, which acts as a tonic in this swirl of adoration for the new broligarchy, those men controlling our media platforms, allowing lies and fostering division, and invading our constitutional rights. Adriene will help you focus on what you can control: your body and your response to the weird shit. And she does so for free.

My new go-to is Mel Robbins, whose show recently rose to the #1 podcast on Apple, beating out Joe Rogan. My favorite part about this? She did so by focusing on being kind and helpful and positive and genuine. I know, I know, she’s an anomaly! If she has a political slant, I am unaware of it. She asks you to listen to her sponsors, and thanks them for allowing her content to remain free. There are several platforms that cover her lectures and interviews, so take your pick, you will want to listen to everything she says. I am not big on most self-help gurus but I find myself engaging in what Mel makes clear with straight talk. Ever wonder why your goal list looks the same as it did four years ago? Or why your anxiety feels worse months after you got the all-clear from your oncologist? Check out her podcasts and you will have your answer. I believe in personal growth and even change when I listen to her. Sure, buy her books if you are able, but I applaud her for giving away all her secrets for free.

Life is not easy. For too many tomorrow will be harder. Right now, focus on what you can control, your responses for a start. Show love to those you love. Get moving physically. Reach out to friends the old-fashioned way, via phone or letters. Spend an extra minute talking to the person bagging your groceries or better yet give your cashier a break and do it yourself. Laugh with your children or neighbor’s children. Their smile will buoy you for hours. Dance more. Do let me know how you plan to stand again, what go-to you will go to, I’d love to hear from you.

** If you do plan to leave the social media platform where you normally find Nine Cent Girl, do sign up for the email option because “We can all get more together than we can apart” (MLK).