Finding Light in Darkness

Hey Reader!  How are you?

I have been remiss in making my regular-ish posts and have missed being inspired to do so. In my last post in January, I wrote about how some life-skill tools had been improving the quality of my life and I intended to share them in the post that followed. What happened since then has been interesting.

I had begun composing a post about non-violent communication (NVC for short) that included a briefing of how to use it and how it has been helpful, especially in supporting understanding between me and my husband.  When I began explaining a certain step in the process, I realized my husband and I had kind of morphed this part and didn't really use it properly or understand it's purpose and importance in communicating.  I set to do some more research before finishing the post.

Like magic, I was "gifted" with the opportunity to work out the details of this step of the process in my own life.   That post will take a little more time to sort out and deliver.  :) In the meantime, I have missed connecting and just wanted to get something out to you who may be looking.

I have had some darkish nights (and days) of the soul, of late.  Trying to choose love and finding it challenging.  A big life trauma I thought I had mostly worked through, reared it's head like a huge, underground zit might.  A series of life stressors and circumstances all came together like the perfect storm, and the only way out was through.  I know, pick your metaphor, already.  ;)

Anyway, it hasn't been the best time to inspire others.  I am now relieved and pleased to report that I am exiting said storm, have squeezed the zit (apologies to the queasy folks), and re-discovered some little, golden nuggets during my adventure:

     1.  The theory of breaking big challenges down into small steps applies to mental anguish, as well.  When going through a rough patch in life, we must deal with whatever is right in front of us.  If you have the ability to see a big picture, it is always helpful AND you must take care of what is foremost disturbing you before you move on to the next thing.

     2.  We must honor ourselves.  Wishing I was more enlightened or through this gunk already, was not helping me get through it.  Fearing judgement from others? That didn't help. What worked was to be gentle and kind with myself. I said to myself, "This is what I am feeling. I don't have to judge myself for feeling this way. These feelings are based on thoughts that may have no root in reality, even. That is not the point. If I am going to move through these feelings to a state of greater peace, I must acknowledge them, respect myself enough to look at them, and do the work it takes to process them."

     3.  If you find yourself feeling truly lost, alone, and perhaps questioning your inherent worth,  the parable of the mustard seed can work a miracle, Christian or no. I have witnessed this more than once in my life. Ask yourself, "Do I have even a mustard seed-sized amount of hope, love, God, faith, strength, or whatever you believe yourself to be lacking, in my heart?" No matter what you may be going through, I imagine and hope you can find this little seed and begin to water it.

Then you can begin your work of moving mountains.

Glad to be back!  Have a blessed day and be kind to yourself.

Love,
Courtney