Hi, this is Monique Rhodes. Welcome to the In Your Right Mind Podcast, where we're learning how to be happier by working with our minds.
If you’d like to know more about what I teach, come to MoniqueRhodes.com and try the Happiness Quiz — it’s a wonderful way to find out where your happiness levels are and how you can raise them.
When the World Feels Heavy
We recently had a big hurricane come through Jamaica, and here in Costa Rica, we caught the back end of it. There’s been a lot of flooding — and over these past few weeks, it’s been difficult.
In moments like this — or even when we’re simply watching what’s happening around the world — it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by suffering.
You scroll through your phone, turn on the news, talk to your friends — and suddenly you’re swimming in stories of pain, injustice, and uncertainty.
There’s so much that needs care, healing, and attention.
And it’s natural to wonder:
How can I possibly do enough?
The truth is — you can’t. Not on your own. None of us can.
Your Circle of Influence
But here’s what you can do.
After the flooding here, I found myself asking:
Who are the people closest to me?
Who can I actually help right now?
And those were the people I showed up for — with food, clothing, a place to stay.
Because life places certain people in your path — not by strategy, not by plan, but by proximity and timing.
They might be your neighbors, your coworkers, your students, or the person who serves your coffee each morning.
They are the people within your circle of influence — the ones you see, speak to, live with, or pass on the street.
When you show up well for them, you ripple out something powerful.
The Power of Small Presence
We often chase the idea of making a big difference, while neglecting the very real people closest to us.
But maybe the greatest difference you can make isn’t loud.
It’s not about scale — it’s about presence.
When you show up with care for the people in your orbit, you expand your impact from the inside out.
That’s real.
That’s powerful.
That’s enough.
Care Within Reach
There’s so much pressure these days to be everything, everywhere, all at once —
to have an opinion on every issue, to hold space for everyone, to meet every need.
But caring deeply doesn’t have to mean caring widely.
Let your care be determined not by the scale of a crisis,
but by the depth of your connection.
You don’t have to save the world.
But you can remember someone’s name.
You can listen — really listen.
You can show up consistently.
You can make someone feel seen.
That matters.
The Healing That Happens Close to Home
You’ve been placed — by life, by time, by chance — into relationships, communities, and places.
That’s not accidental.
That’s where your energy is meant to be.
Sometimes we overlook the people right in front of us because we’re focused on the things we can’t control.
But real healing often happens in the smallest of ways —
in kitchens, in driveways, in quiet text messages, and gentle conversations.
When you bring care to your close connections, the effects multiply.
Because those people carry your kindness into their own circles.
And slowly, quietly, the world changes.
A Simple Reflection
You don’t have to do it all.
But each day, you might ask yourself:
- Who’s been placed near me right now?
- Where can I offer kindness within reach?
- What’s one small thing I can do today to honor the people I’m connected with — however briefly or deeply?
You might be surprised by how much love is possible when you stop trying to reach for the whole world —
and start showing up for the small part of it that’s already yours.
I hope this has been helpful.
Come and join me in The Happiness Club.
where we explore these ideas together — supporting each other and growing as a community.
Go to MoniqueRhodes.com, click on Courses, and you’ll find everything you need there.
As always, be kind, take care, and go gently in the world.
