In recent days, my inner dialogue has had enthusiastic and muddled conversations, in the face of moments of pure pleasure and others of pure storm.

Life goes on, and the good times and the challenges show up.

Every day we have to make decisions and solve problems, from small choices, such as what we will eat today, to more complex relational situations. It is extremely important to be connected to the present moment so we are not captured by our pain and survival strategies, and so we can act consistently with what is happening inside and out.

In many of these decisions and dilemmas, I witness and observe conversations in my head among different “characters”: some voices say I did not do enough, that I should have devoted myself more, that things must be exactly my way and the way I planned. Others tell me I need to take care of and protect myself. And suddenly I notice one of these characters watching everything and everyone, retrieving fantasies, fears and expectations. Another, outraged, wants to fight everybody who stepped on my pain. Another gives in to the whole crowd. There is so much chatter that there is no way to listen and understand what is really going on... That is just a typical day!

Giving a voice to each of these characters, in order to understand what is happening and make consistent decisions, is the job of another one, who should be the protagonist of the story but who sometimes wanders off and gets lost in the confusion of the other voices. Alongside this very important fellow, there is another character who lets us feel connected to life, get in touch with our emotions, be spontaneous, marvel at the treasures in our everyday lives, and who is sometimes locked away by the know-it-all who lives in the same body.

So here are seven characters who live in my mind and are part of who I am. Depending on who is in charge, the day can be a disaster or a very consistent day with good interactions. Lately, the storms have been very present, striking and painful... But I cannot fail to remember and value the small, lovely flowers that give my day color and fragrance.

And all of this can be noticed only because I listen to this crowd that lives in my body. If I do nothing, this chaos will continue. It is my responsibility to call on the great organizer of this crowd so things get back on track and I can make new, consistent and appropriate decisions.

I end this reflection with a song that calms me at many moments: “Sem Mandamentos” (“Without Commandments”), by Osvaldo Montenegro, which dreams of a lighter world where imagination triumphs.

I wish for myself, and for you, clarity and lightness in hard moments, that the sense of wonder pull us out of the storm and let us live the here and now with the greatest possible presence, simplifying challenges and enjoying the good things.