by Cori Leigh | Mar 25, 2025 | Cups of Hope
You know those mornings that start off with a bang? The ones that seem to declare, “Let the stress begin!” before you even open your eyes—before you’ve had your first sip of coffee?
I had one of those mornings several years ago.
I was battling a bad cold, exhausted that morning from several nights of poor sleep. Just after I got up before my first cup of coffee, my daughter appeared in my bedroom doorway.
“Mom, the washing machine is broken.” my daughter said with a worried look on her face.
Not exactly the words you want to hear first thing in the morning. As we walked to the kitchen together, she filled me in. The machine was full of water that refused to drain, and her soapy and wet clothes were trapped inside.
My daughter studied me for a moment. “Mom, are you okay? You don’t look so good.”
I managed a tired smile. “I’m still fighting this cold and probably look as bad as I feel!”
I brewed a cup of coffee—because some things are best dealt with after drinking my caffeine filled cup!
After a few minutes of coffee and wake up time, I made my way to the basement laundry room. Sure enough, there it was the washing machine filled with soapy water and her sopping wet clothes! They were stuck in between cycles and the water would not drain.
I sat down, willing myself not to let this inconvenience dictate the rest of my day. One step at a time, I bailed out the water and hand-wrung the entire load of laundry. It was tedious, but as I worked, a wave of gratitude settled over me.
Modern conveniences make life easier, and moments like this remind us not to take them for granted. Thankfully, after reaching out for help, I learned it was an easy and affordable fix.
That morning could have ruined my entire day—but it didn’t. Because here’s the truth: when a day starts off on the wrong foot, it doesn’t have to stay that way. We have the power to reset our mindset and reclaim the the day!
Here are a few simple ways to turn things around when your having a tough day;
Find a quiet spot. Step away from the chaos for a moment—whether it’s a quiet room, a bathroom, a peaceful corner, or the nature and beauty outdoors!
Breathe deeply. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times until you feel calmer.
Focus on the present. Pay attention to your breath, helping ground yourself in the moment rather than stressing over what’s ahead.
Prioritize Self-Care
Start with comfort. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, sip a warm cup of tea, or listen to soothing music.
Rest when needed. If your body is asking for a break, honor it. Rest is necessary for recovery and resilience.
Hydrate and nourish. Drink water and eat something nutritious to support your body, especially if you’re under the weather.
Identify the issue. Clearly define the problem. In my case, the washing machine breaking wasn’t just about the appliance—it was about the waterlogged clothes and figuring out a fix.
Make a plan. List out the steps needed to address the issue. It might involve troubleshooting, reaching out for help, or adjusting your schedule.
Take it one step at a time. Focusing on one task at a time keeps overwhelm at bay.
Ask for Help
Communicate clearly. Let others know how they can help you.
Share the load. Whether it’s asking family for assistance, calling a friend, or hiring a professional, delegating tasks lightens the burden.
Express gratitude. A simple thank-you goes a long way in fostering supportive relationships.
Practice gratitude. Take a moment to list three things you’re thankful for. Shifting focus from problems to blessings can change your perspective.
Use affirmations. Remind yourself, “I can handle this” or “This is temporary.” Positive self-talk can make a big difference.
Visualize success. Imagine yourself overcoming the day’s challenges with ease. A hopeful outlook can boost confidence and reduce stress.
Laugh at the absurdity. Sometimes, situations are so ridiculous that they’re almost funny. Seeing the humor in small mishaps can make them feel less overwhelming.
Share a laugh. Talk to a friend or family member who always knows how to make you smile.
Watch or read something funny. Taking a break with a comedy show or uplifting book can provide a much-needed mental reset.
Keep a gratitude journal. Write down a few things you appreciate each day, no matter how small.
Express thanks. Let someone know you appreciate them, whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker.
Focus on the positives. Even if something goes wrong (like a broken washing machine), there’s still something to be thankful for—like the fact that it’s fixable.
Set small goals. Break the day into manageable tasks, checking them off as you go.
Stay flexible. Unexpected challenges may arise, but adjusting your mindset can help you adapt with grace.
Celebrate small wins. Even small victories—like handling a problem calmly—are worth acknowledging.
Some days are tough, but they don’t have to define us. With the right mindset and practical steps, we can reset, find joy, and move forward with resilience. Remember, even on the hardest days, life can still be bright and beautiful.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments !
What are some simple things you do to brighten a difficult day?
by Cori Leigh | Sep 3, 2024 | Cups of Hope
When life is hard, it’s easy to lose hope. Health crises, the loss of loved ones, and traumatic experiences often leave us wondering, “When will it ever get better?”
I’ve certainly had my share of difficult seasons. During those tough times, I experienced intense anxiety and uncertainty, often feeling lost and broken.
I sometimes felt consumed by my circumstances, with fears, the weight of grief, and many concerns weighing me down. Hope dimmed, energy dissipated and joy faded.
Yet, even in those darkest moments, I discovered that hope prevails. There are ways to rise with hope in tough times!
How to Rise with Hope
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of hope. But there are ways to stay anchored in faith and keep moving forward. Here are a few ways you can hold on to hope when life feels unbearable:
Lean on Your Faith
In the stormiest seasons of life faith becomes our anchor. Have you ever felt distant from God during hard times? I have. Yet, when I spent even a few quiet moments in prayer, I was reminded that He never leaves, even when my heart feels heavy.
When you feel weak and the heavy weight of burdens, remember that He is your strength, Jesus is with you, even when you can’t feel his presence.
The Power of Prayer in Tough Times
When life becomes overwhelming, and we feel burdened by grief, fear, or uncertainty, prayer can be a powerful source of comfort and strength.
Praying during tough times isn’t just about asking God to fix our problems. It’s about opening our hearts to His presence, surrendering our burdens, and trusting Him to guide us through the storm.
Have you ever noticed that when you give your burdens to Jesus, your heart feels lighter?
By offering our worries and fears to Him, we lighten our hearts, renew our hope, and find the strength to keep moving forward.
Prayer reminds us that God is with us every step of the way, helping us rise with renewed energy and peace.
Take One Day at a Time
When life feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to focus on everything that’s going wrong. But trying to solve all our problems at once can feel unbearable. Instead, focus on today. Take one small step at a time, trusting that God will give you the grace you need for tomorrow when it comes.
Matthew 6:34 reminds us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough trouble of its own. When you focus on today’s steps, you’ll find strength in each moment, without feeling weighed down by tomorrow’s unknowns.
Surround Yourself with Support
Grief and hardship can make us feel isolated as if no one truly understands our pain. But remember, you don’t have to carry this weight alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a faith community.
Sometimes, hearing someone say, “I’m here for you,” can remind you that you’re not walking through this storm alone.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help or pastoral counseling if needed. There’s no shame in getting the support you need when life feels too heavy to bear alone.
Attitude of Gratitude
It can be hard to see the good when everything feels wrong. But even in the darkest seasons, there are glimmers of hope. Make it a habit to look for small blessings each day—whether it’s the warmth of the sun, a kind word from a friend, or a moment of peace.
Gratitude helps shift our focus from what we’ve lost to what we still have. And sometimes, those small moments of gratitude are enough to keep us going.
Take Care of Yourself
Grief, anxiety, and stress can take a toll on your physical health. It’s important to care for your body, mind, and soul. Make sure you’re nourishing your body, getting enough rest, and doing things that replenish your spirit.
A walk outside, quiet time in nature, or a few moments of stillness can do wonders and restoring your energy and perspective.
Hold on to Hope
Hope doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. It’s the quiet confidence that, even when things are hard, God is working for your good. Hold on to that hope, even if it’s just a small glimmer. Sometimes, just believing that tomorrow could be better gives us the strength to face today.
A Poem: Wrapped in His Perfect Love
I wrote this poem several years ago during a difficult time. It’s a reminder that, even when life feels overwhelming, we are wrapped in His perfect love!
Your heart shatters beneath the weight of fear,
this brokenness you carry year by year.
Hope dims as shadows cloud your sight,
and faith, once strong, gives way to fright.
What future lies ahead in this despair?
In the storm, is Jesus truly there?
Anxiety’s tide has shifted the shore,
and peace feels distant, lost evermore.
Consumed by fears that steal your days,
the past has melted in an anxious haze.
Longing for freedom, though the path seems dim,
at last, you surrender all to Him.
Now you look to Jesus, your soul at rest,
for in His peace, your heart is blessed.
Wrapped in His perfect love, you rise with hope, set free,
no longer bound by life’s stormy sea.
In His perfect love, you’ve found your way,
from darkness to light, to a brighter day.
Friends, if you’ve survived hard things, you are not alone. I encourage you not to give up. God’s perfect love will comfort you and bring new hope, even in the darkest moments.
On those days when getting out of bed feels impossible, remember this: His light is still shining. Sometimes it may feel faint, just a small glimmer on the horizon, but it’s enough. That tiny spark of hope can light the way through today, and before you know it, brighter days will come again.
by Cori Leigh | Jun 12, 2024 | Cups of Hope
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?
