Good Morning and Happy Monday!

So, what happened to February? It went by so quickly, despite all that’s happening in the world, it seems like the month just evaporated. I hope you maintained your balance and that your struggles haven’t kept you down. It’s tough, sometimes, just getting out of bed. But, remember, you have worth, which will help you remain hopeful.

When we get to the point where we feel our efforts have been useless, there’s a good chance we need to reevaluate our position and lean into the hope we have for the future. I don’t mean that in a trite or simplistic way. There’s value in taking stock of our victories and remembering that there are ebbs and flows to life. It can be tough to remain hopeful, but reminding ourselves that we have worth is a beautiful place to begin.

I like to think that when we’re struggling, there will be something beneficial that we realize from the discomfort. Perhaps we remember the frailty of life and then purpose to make the best of an awkward situation. Maybe reaching out to someone for a word of encouragement reminds us of how love is not earned but freely given. When our self-esteem is the lowest, a friend may remind us that we matter, which can change our entire trajectory. The key is to remain in that space of hopefulness and gratitude to avoid a downward spiral resulting in melancholy.

Here are some thoughts from American author and journalist Germany Kent:

It’s an art to make the switch from being in the doldrums to believing the best is yet to come. Change comes when we choose to lift ourselves out of habitual negative defaults and accept the invitation to redirect our thoughts more positively. It’s not easy, and sometimes it takes a great deal of courage and the willingness to discipline ourselves in a new way. But leaning into the hope that things can be different is one of the magical ways to make our choices come to fruition.

Here’s an example of how that might look. We’re exhausted, and it feels like things keep getting worse by the minute. We struggle to see anything positive in our immediate future and settle into the doldrums of melancholy. On the way down that spiral, we choose to take a minute and breathe. While we’re breathing, we begin to contemplate reordering our day. We take a mini-vacation to some cherished spot in our mind, be it a place we’ve been or one we’ve created, so that we can gain clarity and understanding.

As we breathe our last out-breath, we choose to limit the activities and thoughts that create chaos in our minds and make a conscious effort to put energy toward those things that will have the best outcome. In this simple, five-minute exercise, we take the sweeping pressure of the day and step off the spiral, enacting the power of choice and regaining our equilibrium and peace. That creates room for hope to surround us and propel our positive thoughts to bring us to a new understanding of ourselves and our situation.

Allowing room for hope and remembering that we matter is a fantastic way to remind us of our greater purpose.

Scripture encourages us to have hope:

“And you shall be secure and feel confident because there is hope; yes, you shall search about you, and you shall take your rest in safety.” Job 11:18 (AMPC)

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19 (NLT)

“I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (CEB)

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Take time when you struggle this week to remember that your life matters, that you matter. Remind yourself that life is worth living and that you are loved. Then find others who need to hear that they matter, too. Shower them with encouragement and respect, and honor their worth. These actions, words, and thoughts can become contagious and may help another gain the hope they need to continue working through their struggles.

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda