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It can be hard to keep going, even when life seems good. The little things can still be hard. What do I try to do?
Sometimes, I go through old journal entries and seek out key themes that helped me find joy in circumstances that were not ideal:
1.) Make your own rules.
Two rules I always used to try to follow:
Pray for someone every day
Don’t move until you see a miracle, wait for a miracle.
2.) Take a new risk daily.
Every day I am going to find one thing that I’ve never done before, one risk I have taken that makes that day stand out. As you expand your consciousness of kindness, you create a more spiritual life.
3.) Relax into the messy un-plans.
Life is messy, and everything does not have to be incorporated into a schedule – then I’ll never have room for the unexpected beauties to pop up! Live frugally on surprise
4.) Enjoy the Beautiful Day
The sunlight makes the leaves shimmer gold, and it doesn’t even matter that they are all on the ground and the trees are naked – they look splendid anyway! They cover the pavement and cast a trail down, around corners, leading to uncharted territories, to other, even more beautiful horizons. This must be a good sign of how today will be – I can easily think anxious thoughts today, but I don’t feel like that in this moment.
Instead, I will follow the trail of leaves, picking up one by one, using that as a metaphor for how I am to be in an individual moment and not think forwards or backwards, just enveloping myself inside the beauty of each star-shaped leaf. I will not be in my head today – it’ a great day to be outdoors!
5.) Break Down Walls
Fear builds walls to block the light.
6.) Know Your Daydreams
I know my daydreams are real and can really come into existence for me, on the other side of this. The other side of the mountain. I would rather live in a world where my life is surrounded by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it.
When you’re walking and a butterfly flutters up to you, how can you not feel the Spring soak you in warm, loving light? You see the butterfly flutter his wings, almost dancing along. Butterflies show us that true joy is within the dance of life.
7.) Persistence Sets You Free.
. It is NOT impossible to give up. It is possible to gain FREEDOM.
8.) Just live and see how good it feels.
It feels good to be alive…
I found one of my old entries that gave me a new idea for finding hope:
“I love life. And I want more of it!!!! Finally I have come to the point where living has become more important than hiding away. Because I let myself have that opportunity – I pushed myself to be scared because deep inside I knew there was nothing to be scared of! And I like life in the light, once I overcame this fear. It was so fun leading myself through my visualization in the actual woods, following the trail of leaves and telling the story of the hidden demons that lurk about in the eyes of the trees. And the park was so gorgeous with the blaring circle of sun setting behind gigantic tall trees, and the moon already appearing at the other end of the sky, waiting in its dressing room for its showtime. I wrote this visualization down and shared it with my mom – it feels so good to give back!”
Where can you find hope today?
Safe travels, Detourists!
Amy
www.amyoes.com
TurningPointCT.org was developed by young people in Connecticut who are in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. We know what it’s like to feel alone, stressed, worried, sad, and angry. We’ve lived through the ups and downs of self-harm, drugs and alcohol, and the struggle to find help.
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As always, so refreshing. I found hope in the sky today as I stared right into it this morning waiting for a sign. I am taking all of these steps today.