~~What seems to be happening all over the world right now is just crazy, with so much devastation and conflict and upheaval in the air. This week, let us hold tightly to our hope, to the beautiful things that occur every day and to one another. Make room for making time for all those things you love and all the things that really matter. Because in times like these, the important things are really clear to see. Choose kindness, choose humor, chose hope every day. This is how we will get through this strange time.~~ ButterfliesandPebbles
You would think everyone would want to chose hope but that's not really true. Some feel the darkness so heavily, no light can shine through. That darkness may be what's happening in the world. Or maybe what's happening in their lives. Or maybe that darkness is addiction. Cigarettes. The only thing standing between you and them is....hope. Right? The hope that you can quit. The hope that you can be free. The hope that this time is different.
Don't give in to the darkness, my friends, no matter what that means to you. Addiction, toxic relationship, covid. Rather, look to those little things that spark a light in your heart. Time with your best friend. Painting. Gardening. Giving back to the world in your own kind way. If you can't see the light, then be the light for someone else. If you're in the darkness, turn inward and find those sparks of light that are you...let them guide you. Hold onto all that you are and all you are going to be.
It's been a tough year, no doubt. I don't know many who are thriving through all these things. But here on Ex? Oh, the light shines clearly and the mood is light and hope is woven into the very fabric of the site. Ex is one of the beautiful things that occur every day. Marilyn is baking bread that I can smell all the way in Florida. Thomas spreads his wisdom. Diane Joy simply shines with a pure heart and beautiful soul. So many people here stay here--for you. To help you. To guide you. To teach you. To support you. And that really is beautiful. Every time I come back, I feel peace.
So please don't just settle on the darkness, but find those important things that occur every day. The birds singing each morning as you drink your tea. The sweet smell of your garden in bloom. The touch of a loved one. The sun on your face. These matter more than a paper tube of tobacco. These matter more than the darkness. That darkness is simply left over addictive thoughts that will fade when you let them go. It's the important things that matter. You matter. Your health. Your happiness. Your freedom.
Choose kindness. Choose humor. Choose hope. This is how you will get through this strange time.
