I Will Look for the Light in the Darkness and I will Be the Light When I Can

We are living in a unique time on planet Earth. For many years, there has been a great deal of intensity, sadness, and fear. We have lived through a global pandemic, acts of terrorism, political unrest, mass shootings…the list goes on. As a person, a parent, and a therapist, I have absorbed all of these things in many ways. Most of it comes down to the experience of empathizing with so many and of trying to make sense of a broken world.

The negativity is consuming, dark, and palpable. I sometimes feel like the flower looking for sunlight so it can bloom. Stretching and reaching for the tiniest bit of light it can find. Like the flower, I find the light here and there. I soak it in and let it nourish me with warmth and light. As I do, I feel myself growing, and the light becomes easier to reach. The flower may appear a little funny, bending toward the light, but it does what it needs to do in order to flourish.

I may also look a little funny when I reach for signs of light. I search for feel-good stories to uplift me. I smile at those stories that warm my heart. Some are quick to tell me when they aren’t true. “They’re made up. Anyone can say anything.” And this is true. It’s sometimes hard to decipher the truth these days.

But I feel suffocated by the darkness around me at times, everywhere I look. Maybe you do too. I need to seek out light, levity, the warmth of a sweet story that makes me feel that there is good in the world.

Sometimes these stories are not newsworthy, Facebook-worthy, or Instagram-worthy. But do not be fooled. They are worthy. Every kind deed done for another, every sweet word or expression of appreciation, every gesture done in love. They matter. In times like this, we crave them like the flower craves the sunlight.

So, I will:

• continue to cry at heartwarming commercials and stories that move me.
• continue to believe that good people exist in this world and that not everything is either all good or all bad.
• let go of cynicism.
• look for the light in the darkness, and I will be the light when I can.
• continue to help my neighbors when they are in need.
• support causes that are important to me and lend an ear to a lonely person in the supermarket.
• be there for my family, friends, and clients.
• keep showing up in ways that are meaningful
• and take note of every small act of kindness that I witness.

We each have the ability to be that light for someone else. Never miss a chance to say, “I love you,” “I appreciate you,” “You’re amazing.” Each expression of kindness and love acts as a ray of sunshine to the receiver, and as they light up, you receive the light as well. This is the only way to flourish. I invite you to join me in spreading love and light.

And even if the story about the dog saving hundreds of people isn’t true, I embrace the idea of it. Somewhere out there, there is a dog saving someone’s life. And I love knowing that. Be the light. Spread joy.