I’m feeling a little numb. And walking around taking the pulse of the town, I’m not getting much of a reading these days. Is it just me? Or are others experiencing the same thing? Is it because we’re betwixt and between the high and low seasons? Or could the uncertainty and quiet despair generated by the war have something to do with it?

As always, I am so thankful to live in a place that is not only exquisitely beautiful but also and more importantly, peaceful, with unlimited and uplifting activities to pursue in the company of some wonderful people. Yet, the journalist in me is driven to absorb every detail of what’s going on with the war. Not having a television, I spend more than $5 Canadian of my hard-earned money every day for an English-language newspaper, snapping up one of the first copies off the plane then rushing home to devour it while feeling progressively sicker at heart.

Wiser people understand that the details don’t matter. What does is manifesting peace in our day-to-day lives and treating ourselves and everyone around us with love and respect. The positive effect that generates trickles up, and if everyone did that there would be peace on the planet.

When I feel I could do with some comforting, I visit the animals in my neighborhood or the cats that have quickly regenerated on Isla Rio Cuale. While the world may be on a razor’s edge, they are blissfully unaware, reminding me that all that really counts is living in the moment. That attitude is also one of the aspects of the Mexican culture that appeals very strongly to me and is slowly mellowing even this worry wart. I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow Canadian there, a woman of about my age who always makes a point of bringing treats to the island cats on the last evening of every visit. Even though she stays in Marina Vallarta, she thinks nothing of making the trek to see her “sweet little friends.” This time she brought them a feast of ham and chicken and it gave both of us so much pleasure to watch them enjoy it. It’s during moments like that, of sharing and caring for others, that all seems right with the world.

Expat artist Kathleen Schweizer knows how great it feels to help others, devoting much of her time and talent for the benefit of those who need it. Recently, she crafted 10 colorful, cuddly quilts for the children of the Refugio Infantile Santa Esperanza orphanage, their smiles and comfort her reward.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about what you’re reading, you’re encouraged to let me know at heather@mexmags.com.