As a life coach in a nonprofit for women, I often suggested an action step to help my clients move toward hope.
The same idea can work for anyone — any time.
When life unravels, whether through a personal tragedy or an unexpected circumstance — just do one simple thing.
Do you find joy in the purchase of a new book? Then browse through a bookstore or online. Find a book that interests you and buy it. Or check out your local library and save some bucks.
Do this one simple thing.
Does nature help you cultivate peace? Get outside. Bundle up and take a walk. Drive to a park or jog on one of the local trails. Open your door and step outside for a brief moment of fresh air. Inhale deeply.
Do this one simple thing.
Do animals remind you of God’s creativity? Go to a shelter and adopt a pet. Or feed the feral cats in your neighborhood.
The ferals in my cul-de-sac are fat and happy, because many of us have added food bowls to our porch décor.
If you can’t have an animal, volunteer at a shelter or buy a puppy calendar. Watch The Incredible Dr. Pol for an evening of fun TV.
Do this one simple thing.
What about a creative project? One of my clients painted her bathroom a new color and found some wall décor at Savers.
Maybe it’s time to begin a painting project or a needle craft with fuzzy yarn or write that memoir you’ve been wanting to start.
Do this one simple thing.
Rearrange the furniture. Replace that yucky carpet you hate. Sit down and watch a movie. Some of my favorites for escape include Serendipity, Follow the Stars Home and The Martian Child.
Declutter your office. Clean out your closets and give away barely used clothes. Do something nice for another soul.
Whatever you choose to do, get away from your problems and concentrate on the positive.
Just do one simple thing and move toward hope.
©2021 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
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Hi RJ,
My brother is moving towards hope. He decided to quit smoking!!! One thing. He keeps asking me if I think he can do it. I told him “Yes! One day at a time.”
Amy
So glad to hear this, Amy. My son quit, and I know it takes perseverance but he’ll feel so much better. Yes – one hope-filled step at a time !
Hmmm. We’re on the same wave-length. I was writing about the same thing this morning!
Good – extra reminders for our followers.
Never heard of any of those movies. I’ll have to check into them.
They can be checked out at the library.