If you’re in a season of light, give light. If you’re in a season of darkness, get hope.
FOR THOSE IN A SEASON OF LIGHT
Congrats!
Life is going your way, you’re harvesting the fruits of your labor, you wake up excited for the day, and you can’t believe you’re in the place you are!
The warm glow of having your life unfold in beautiful ways has given you renewed energy and a deep well of hope for the future.
Now it’s time to shine some of that light into the darkness, so others who are struggling can see a way out.
And shining that light is a simple three step process.
1. REACH OUT
We’re not meant to do this life alone. We’re hard wired for connection. And we have no purpose without it.
If you want to start saving the world, begin by checking-in with people regularly. And if you’re able, I even suggest doing it as soon as they cross your mind.
Sending a text saying, “I was just thinking about you!” can go a long way.
An impromptu call is even better.
2. LISTEN
The beauty of reaching out, is that someone may reach back. And when they do, it’s vital that you listen without judgement.
A diet of anxiety, fear, or depression usually comes with a healthy side of feeling weak. Please don’t add to that sense of weakness by burdening them with a sense superiority.
Meaning, do away with any notion that you’re an expert on what’s best for their life.
It’s so important to listen deeply, without distraction, without “At least . . .”, without “I told you so . . .” and without rushing to solve things, so they can begin to feel safe, seen, and strong.
Because it takes strength to reach back when someone reaches out.
3. ACT
They may not want your opinion, and they may not want your help, but they will want your empathy.
The beauty of empathy is that it doesn’t require you to do anything but show your understanding of how someone else feels in their situation.
That’s it.
And it doesn’t even require you to agree with how they feel, or even the path they choose to move forward.
And if they want your help, it means they want your compassion. Because compassion is empathy in action.
If you say you’re going to help, then help.
Don’t add to someone’s darkness by saying you’ll be there for them and then not have the time, energy, or means to do so.
You’ll only make it worse.
If you’re unable to help beyond empathy, simply letting them know that you’re grateful they talked to you can go a long way.
And remember, no one wants to share how hard things have been, just to be met with a flippant comment on how “Everything will be fine, I just know it.”
Because sometimes, things don’t end up okay.
FOR THOSE IN A SEASON OF DARKNESS
I’m so sorry things are dark.
Life isn’t going your way, you’re spinning your wheels and your efforts have gone unnoticed, you wake up dreading the day, and you can’t seem to find a way out of the pit.
The cold and suffocating feeling of being hit by hardships has magnified your insecurity and given you a deep sense of hopelessness.
Now it’s time to rise and ignite some much-needed light into your darkness, so you can see how to climb out.
And igniting that light is a simple three step process.
1. REACH OUT
As I mentioned above, we’re not meant to do this life alone. We’re hard wired for connection. And I’ll keep beating the drum, we have no purpose without it.
If you want the sun to rise, begin by reaching out to someone you trust. And I even suggest doing it as soon as you can.
Send a text to someone who makes you feel safe and seen saying, “I need help.”, “I need to talk.”, “I need someone to listen.”
And if you can muster a bit more courage, an impromptu call is even better.
2. SPEAK
The beauty of reaching out, is that you’re refusing to give up.
My hope is that you have someone who will be there to listen to you. And when they do, it’s vital that you be as honest as possible.
Let them know what’s burdening you. Your anxieties, fears, regrets, and hardships.
Vulnerability takes great strength. So, if you want to be strong enough to climb out of that dark hole, you’re going to need to be real.
Don’t add to your worry by wondering what they’ll think of you. Because you know if the roles were reversed, you wouldn’t waste one second in thinking the other person was broken or less than.
So go ahead and cry, share, and unburden yourself.
And let them in so they can share their sunlight.
3. ACT
Now that you’re not alone, be clear about what you need and get after it.
Talking through things regularly can bring a lot of clarity. Because sometimes things are dark simply because we have a cluttered mind.
As I mentioned in my first newsletter the recipe for a fulfilling life can be broken into these steps:
1. What do you want (or need)?
2. What prevents you from having it?
3. What are strong steps you can take?
4. Who can help you?
Read #4 again.
One more time.
You’re not alone.
Play the long game and remember, small consistent wins build a strong ladder for getting out of a dark pit.
Stay focused on what’s within your control and leave your uncontrollables back in the darkness.
It’s time to get out of there.
SO NOW WHAT?
Well, the good news is, nothing lasts forever.
And the bad news is, nothing lasts forever.
Everything is temporary.
If you’re in a season of light, enjoy it.
If you’re in a season of darkness remember, it’s just 4:00am and the sun hasn’t risen yet.
1. Reach out
2. Listen or Speak
3. Act
Three steps can make a huge difference.
And if your mind has gotten so muddied that you have no sense of who you really are, bounce over to the latest episode of the Rescue Your Dreams™ podcast. In my newest episode I talk with Dr. Doug McKinley about discovering your leadership identity.
And leadership is about everyone. Even you.
If you’re interested in taking your life to the next level, you can schedule a free consultation call with me to see if personal coaching would help you Rescue Your Dreams™ so you can transform your reality.
Click HERE for my Calendly link!
Ever upward!