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No matter what challenges you face today, your life holds a great purpose!

Every moment offers opportunities to grow, change, and heal. Purpose, peace, and healing often emerge while in the throes of life’s broken places. There is hope and a purpose that rises above the pain of our circumstances. However, many of us struggle to hold onto hope for a brighter tomorrow despite the challenges we face during tough times.

Reflect on Your Journey: Like I did years ago and continue to today, take a moment to acknowledge where you are and how far you’ve come. Consider journaling about your experiences—what has challenged you the most, and what lessons have you learned? Writing down your thoughts can help you identify patterns and gain insight into your growth.

Seek Small Wins: When hope fades, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. Instead, try to find one positive thing each day, no matter how small. It might be a kind word from a friend, a moment of peace, or a task you accomplished. Celebrate these small victories! They are stepping stones toward a greater purpose.

 

Embrace Healing and Growth

 

Years ago, I was overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and panic attacks—each triggered by traumatic life events. When hope fades, it’s easy to focus solely on what’s wrong, which makes it difficult to see what’s right. This mindset can leave us feeling more stuck, making it challenging to discover a purpose that reaches beyond the pain of our circumstances.

This was me years ago. I felt trapped in my circumstances, with hope for a better and safer tomorrow seeming far out of reach. Healing and freedom from fear, worry, and anxiety appeared unattainable.

Identify Your Triggers: Just as I faced anxiety and panic attacks, it’s important to identify what triggers your stress and anxiety. This awareness can empower you to manage or avoid these triggers, creating space for healing.

Practice Self-Compassion: Understand that healing is a journey that takes time. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel what you feel without judgment. Practice self-care activities that nurture your soul, like taking a walk or spending time with loved ones.

 

Navigating Financial Hardship

 

As a single mother raising two daughters alone, financial challenges were constant, with often not enough money to make ends meet. The future seemed uncertain, and all I could see were the broken pieces of my life. I wondered if anything would ever be right again, questioning how I could put my life back together, piece by broken piece.

Set Realistic Goals: When facing financial hardship we feel overwhelmed. Break down your financial goals into manageable steps. Whether saving a small amount each week, creating a budget, or finding additional sources of income, each step brings you closer to stability.

Find Support: Find community resources, financial advisors, or trusted friends who can offer guidance and support. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. There is strength in seeking help when you need it.

 

Healing Through Writing

 

During this time, I wrote more than ever before. Writing became a healing ointment for my hurting heart. On paper, I could pour out my feelings about everything. Sometimes I read past journal entries from years past. In those times it’s a look at my life through previous writings. I see the broken woman I once was. Those pages hold broken dreams, seasons of grief, hopelessness, and sadness.

Start Journaling: Just as I found healing in writing, you can too. Start by journaling your thoughts and feelings each day. Don’t worry about structure—let the words flow naturally. Over time, you may find that journaling helps you process emotions and gain clarity.

Reflect on Your Progress: Revisit your old journal entries to see how much you’ve grown. This can be a powerful reminder of your resilience and the progress you’ve made.

Finding Peace in Faith

 

In my broken and anxious, fearful heart, God met me there. I’m still in awe of how Jesus sprinkled His light of hope in my darkness—enough to carry me through each day. He gave me hope and a purpose that reached beyond my pain. I could finally dance in the rain—not because all my problems vanished, but because I had hope.

Lean into Your Faith: If you have a faith practice, lean into it during difficult times. Whether through prayer, or reading your bible or other books, these practices can offer comfort and remind you that you’re not alone.

Embrace Hope:  Remember, peace isn’t the absence of problems but the presence of hope in the midst of them.

 

Regardless of the extent of your suffering, past or present, there is hope and a future! One that leads to brighter tomorrow.

 

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below…

Can you remember a time when you were in a dark season?
How did you find hope for a better tomorrow?

Cori Leigh