A Path Out of the Darkness

Writing darker pieces never comes easy.  I don't want to go there emotionally.  However, being human involves experiencing both light and dark times.  We laugh and cry, jump for joy and crumble in despair, celebrate successes and mourn failures, embrace love and avoid hurt.  Sometimes light and dark come in alternating waves. Other times they seem to walk side by side holding hands.  

It is human to want to stay in the light, face turned towards the sun and body being bathed in its warmth, but only being in the light isn't possible, nor desirable for our growth. We heal and recharge in the light, but the dark does come with its own offerings.  From our dark times we receive life lessons that hone us, and build an inner strength that helps us weather life's storms. However, it is easy to get stuck in the dark. 

I recently read a line that talked about the need to visualize a path out of the darkness.  That imagery is powerful for me.  I have heard it said in many other ways as well.  Two examples are - if you can dream it you can achieve it, and you must believe it is possible to for it to happen. Whatever quote you hear, they all speak to the same idea.  Visualizing, dreaming and believing are important. If you cannot even conceive something as a possibility, it limits your options.

How many times have you or someone you know shied away from an opportunity because of fear that failure would ensue.  The inability to visualize, dream or believe in a successful outcome kept you (or them) from even trying.  Fear of failure, fear we aren't good enough and fear we don't belong are a heavy trifecta that can hold us back.  And then there is the burden of believing you somehow deserve harsh times. Finding a way to banish the fear, and to understand you deserve happiness, is important to help you find your way to a better place.

Visualization is a great tool you to try when working to achieve your dreams and there are many avenues to take. With your eyes closed, create an image of the outcome you desire as if it has already happened. The image should be clear and specific. Positive mantras that affirm the future you desire also can have a positive impact.  You could also try creating a vision board filled with images of your dreams to focus on each day. Whether with eyes closed or on a vision board, repeat the exercise daily for as long as it takes. Remember to imagine your dream as having already happened. 

The idea of visualizing a path out of the darkness speaks to me on a more emotional level as well. Dark emotions that take you spiraling down can arise when dealing with loss (job, person, health, employment), overwhelming financial issues, bullying, or a world in chaos. I personally am deeply affected by what is happening around me, so I always have to keep an eye on my emotions and try to avoid overwhelm.

When mired in dark spaces, or dark times, finding a a way to truly believe there is a path out, and a better future possible is important. I know because there are times where I have struggled to keep my thoughts on the positive. Fortunately, the older I get, the more experience has shown me that change is always on the horizon. Life is truly rinse and repeat, with nothing ever staying the same. I still don’t like the dark times, but at least I know they don't last.

Whether you visualize, work with a health professional, take time for self care, or seek treatment in some other way isn't important. What is important is that you take action. It may not feel like it in the moment, but effort and patience, the darkness will eventually pass.