“No amount of darkness can put out the light of a single candle.” ~ Author Unknown
Many of us have experienced dark moments in our lives. It is normal, common even. We have been disappointed, hurt, and have experienced great pain and betrayal. In those moments, it can feel as though the entire world is caving in on us. The world does not seem bright – it is dark, ugly, scary and excruciatingly miserable. There are many reasons we may experience the world this way. Perhaps you have had one of the following experiences:
- Loss of a job
- A sudden end to a relationship
- An abusive partner or other person in your life
- The death of someone close to you
- Income deterioration (and inability to pay expenses)
- Betrayal by a friend
- Miscarriage
- Strained collegial relationships
- Harassment
In the moments when you experience circumstances similar to those above, you may ask yourself if life is worth living. When everything seems so dark, it is hard to believe that life will get better. In those moments, it is important to remind ourselves of the following:
- Darkness will NOT consume you. While darkness is a very strong force, it cannot overtake you. Even the light of the smallest candle transforms the darkness. The darkness will not consume the light
- Every day is a new day – a chance at a new beginning for yourself, others and the way you relate to others
I find that when I am really feeling low it helps to remind myself of the fact that darkness cannot consume even the smallest light. Then, I think of areas in my life that shine light into the darkness. My cats purring, my daughters laughing, my work achievements. And I find, that as I focus on these things the darkness loses its power and isn’t so dark. By focusing on the positive things in my life, the “light” I am able to overpower the darkness.
On this day, 347 days ’til 40, I seek to remind myself continually of all of the light in my life. As I focus on the light, there is less opportunity for darkness to consume me.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
getbusyyall
March 11, 2012 at 00:44
This came at a welcome moment. Thanks.
400daystil40
March 11, 2012 at 20:54
You are welcome, getbusyyall!
Hang in there!
~400daystil40
The Quiet Borderline
March 11, 2012 at 10:17
Very nice post.
I wish you all the best,
The Quiet Borderline
http://quietbpd.wordpress.com/
400daystil40
March 11, 2012 at 20:57
Thank you, QB!
~400daystil40
sjstone21
March 11, 2012 at 19:08
Yes, the key is focusing on the LIGHT, not the darkness. We often focus on the tiny glimpses of darkness and let them overshadow the light. Thank you for reminding us to focus on the LIGHT!
400daystil40
March 11, 2012 at 20:59
Indeed! When we focus on the light it really changes things!
~400daystil40
PavlosKapralos
March 11, 2012 at 23:06
So a positive post. It made me feel the same way I feel when I listen to this song of R.E.M
400daystil40
March 12, 2012 at 22:05
Thanks for the post of the song! I can relate too!
~400daystil40
vwangberg
March 12, 2012 at 23:32
I love this Ethiopian proverb: “On the power of small things, when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.”
So lets start spinning when life gets hard!
400daystil40
March 13, 2012 at 22:30
Wow, Vwanberg! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this! I have a family member from Ethiopia so this means a lot to me!
~400daystil40
Katrina
March 13, 2012 at 20:03
From the list of negative life events you listed, I’ve had 6 of them (over my 52 years) and you’re right, it passes, we move on, we adjust and we heal. I think the healing is the most important part, life breaks everyone, and we’re usually stronger at the broken places after we heal.
400daystil40
March 13, 2012 at 22:37
Hi Katrina,
I agree with you completely, we are often much stronger in the places where we have healed (scar tissue is stronger than skin). I am so sorry you have been through so much in your life and I hope that you have found your way out the other side with acceptance, and inner peace.
~400daystil40
Katrina
March 14, 2012 at 00:31
Thank you, I have acceptance, inner peace and a belief in myself and inner strength also, honestly, God has been gracious in always allowing me time to heal between each and when I wasn’t taking care of myself, He’s put me on my butt for a time so I had no choice but to heal.