The Journey Inward

“Today, let hope be the clever thief that steals you away from the arms of despair.”

Hope over despair
Is found in the littlest of ways…

A walk in quiet woods
Smiling at an overwhelmed parent
Playing peekaboo with a child
Phoning a friend
Drinking tea
Laughing out loud at a funny show
Attending an art show
Watching a play or musical
Listening to music
Organizing a drawer
Petting my pups
Playing board games
Holding hands
Reading a book
Baking sugary treats
Writing/receiving a thank you note
Exploring new places
Eating breakfast on the porch
Starting with dessert
Volunteering for a great cause
Planting a garden
Going camping
Walking on the beach
Knowing what matters to me
Knowing what doesn’t
A day at the park
Hiking a mountain
Snuggling with the one who fits
Writing down my gratitudes each day
Preparing comfort food
“Calling” my mom
Having houseplants
Being intentional
Honest and trustworthy people
A good cry
Authenticity and vulnerability
Hugging my kids
Asking for/offering help
Trying new things
Moving my body
Napping/resting
My dog tea mug
Body moisturizer
A plump pillow
A soft blanket
A robe & slippers over pjs
A fluffy comforter
A pretty bowl
Small spoons
Cheese
Dips
Dogs sleeping in the sun
Wagging tails
Writing to state representatives
Boycotting establishments that don’t support humanitarianism
Keeping a daily promise
Talking to people and finding commonalities
Picture memories

I wondered how much hope I could bring to mind in 2 minutes, and this is that list. Hope, indeed.

Each day this month, I am reading and writing about an entry from gentle reminders: SIMPLE TRUTHS FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE by Dodinsky. This book was given to me after my divorce by a friend, with this inscription: “Let your soul sparkle.”

Photo: My daughter’s bedroom windowsill. 11.12.24 by LA