If you’ve felt overwhelmed by bad news lately, you’re not alone. So I thought I’d share some ways I find light in these dark times and invite you to do the same.
A Day At The Beach, With The Added Bonus of Beautiful Art
Our day trip to Galveston was a much-needed escape. My husband and I needed to forget about some painful realities in our life and the world for a while, and we did. In the photo above, we’re standing next to one of many sea turtle statues painted by local artists. “Turtles About Town” is “an island-wide project “bringing together art, awareness, and advocacy.” Learn more and see photos of the other turtles here.
We saw this turtle after we soaked up some sun, walked on the beach, and played in the ocean. “You Are My Sunshine” is a song I have often sung to my husband; he’s been my sunshine for more than 30 years. Here’s a link to one version of the song on YouTube.
We also got a wonderful reminder that beauty can emerge out of devastation. Among the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008 was the destruction of thousands of trees in Galveston. But some homeowners paid to have the trunks of dead trees on their property carved into beautiful sculptures. One of my favorites was this hermit crab:
Learn more and see photos of the other tree sculptures here.
Inspirational Quotes From Amanda Gorman and Brené Brown
Sometimes I need reminders that I can not only find light in dark times, I can be a light. Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb” poem is a wonderful reminder of that truth. Its closing lines never fail to inspire me:
The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
If only we’re brave enough to be it
The poem begins with the question, “Where can we find light in this never-ending shade?” and acknowledges the grief, hurt, and weariness so many of us carry. But it shifts to a message of hope that includes this question: “How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?”
“The Hill We Climb” contains many other inspiring words and is well worth reading in its entirety, which you can do here.
Brené Brown has said and written many wise words. She has authored multiple #1 New York Times bestsellers, hosted two podcasts, and given TED talks. All are related to her studies and personal experiences of courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy.
Because I’ve read or listened to so many of those wise words, I don’t remember where I came across this quote: “Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
All I know is that it jumped out at me because that has been my experience. I’ve explored the depths of my inner darkness and sometimes felt buried in it. But that exploration was necessary to uncover my light and discover its power to change my life.
And to help me see how I can be a light for others who want to change theirs. I’ve used what I’ve learned and experienced to create a “Depression and Anxiety Survival Kit.” I’ve had private conversations with people who needed a safe person to talk to who could relate to their struggles. Those phone calls led me to create my mental health website and offer personal mental health guide services.
Your light has infinite power, too, even if you haven’t discovered that yet. Don’t be afraid to explore the darkness and find ways to let your light shine.
Bruce Springsteen’s Songs and Concerts
A Harvard Medical School blog post says research proves that “the use of music interventions (listening to music, singing, and music therapy) can create significant improvements in mental health.”
My mental health definitely improves when I listen to music. Lately I’ve listened to Bruce Springsteen’s music or watched concert videos at least once a day. Since I know the words to almost every song, I often sing along. Sometimes I even dance.
One of my favorite songs is “Land of Hope and Dreams.” It includes these words:
Big wheels roll through fields
Where sunlight streams
Meet me in a land of hope and dreams
You can read the rest of the lyrics on Bruce’s website, but to truly appreciate this song you need to watch him (and the legendary E Street Band) perform it live. Go here to do that. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. And if you want more great concert footage from this year’s tour, go here to see the video I watch at least part of every day.
Now it’s your turn. Who or what is your sunshine, and why?