Most of us have felt despair at some point in our lives.

Whether you’ve struggled with money, your kids, a sour relationship or bad habits, you probably remember a time that seemed shadowed by a series of unfortunate events.

We’ve all experienced dark days.

* * *

This weekend, I listened to a message about seeking hope despite despair. This quote really hit home:

Despair is an evil counselor.

Yet how often we listen to it’s crushing babble.

There is hope

I’m not writing this today because I am in despair, personally – only because I have felt it before, and maybe someone reading needs a reminder that there is hope.

Maybe that someone is you.

If you are struggling right now, you may be lost in a vortex of distorted, yet real, emotions. You may view this bad stretch as a never-ending pattern of defeat. Maybe, as I have in the past, you dwell on the negatives, letting bitterness fester and turn you into someone you barely know.

Maybe you are constantly criticizing yourself, or others, or labeling your shortcomings. “I’m a loser, a fool, a jerk.”

Maybe you blame yourself for something you weren’t entirely responsible for, or forget how your own behavior is contributing to a problem.

You’ve made a mountain out of a molehill.

You’ve put off what’s important.

Don’t despair.

I know from experience: The bad days don’t last forever. Turn to those you love for support. Sit in a quiet place to pray or meditate, letting go of  your desire to control the situation. Breathe. Remember who and what matters to you, and write these things down to guide your mind toward light. Write them down everyday. Go for a walk and dwell on what is good, even if it’s not much.

Fight the counsel of your own despair and let hope in.

Hope is a waking dream. – Aristotle

Further reading:

• Signs and symptoms of depression
• How to get out of a funk
• Burnout is beautiful

Photo by ▲brian james