As a life coach, I often suggested an action step to help my clients move toward hope. By just focusing on one simple thing, we could move past whatever obstacle was keeping us stuck. 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. Spend some time with a coffee or a cup of tea and escape into the words of a good book.
Do this one simple thing.
Does nature help you cultivate peace? Get outside. Take a walk and enjoy the spring colors and smells. 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. Petting an animal can lower both your blood pressure and theirs.
If you can’t have an animal, volunteer at a shelter or buy a puppy calendar. Walk around the zoo. 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. Doing that one simple thing brought her joy every time she came home from a stress-filled day.
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. Just do it.
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. Help someone else and that action will help you. Read a Psalm. Sing a song. Play an instrument.
Just do one simple thing and move toward hope.
©2025 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image Attribution: Projekt_Kaffeebart / Pixabay
For a hope-filled read, check out Embracing Life with Hope: Daily Encouragement for your Spiritual Journey.
Our simple thing is moving to a place that inspires and uplifts us every day. It represents the beauty of the earth and the meaning of service. It represents the kind of America I love and serve. While we will no longer be in close proximity to our friends here, they are always welcome to visit our own “Shangri La” for as long as they wish. And marvel at the mountains, breathe the clean air, and look out at an America Kathryn Lee Bates saw when she wrote America the Beautiful. And experienced the wonders God has given us.
Wise counsel. Simply sound.