From Helplessness to Hopefulness

‎"Action is the antidote to despair." -Joan Baez  

Have you ever felt hopeless? Do you know that feeling of helplessness, that sense that nothing you do really matters? Maybe you are unable to motivate yourself to do anything at all, holding onto an attitude of "why bother?" That's the reality of despair. It can suck the life out of you.

Sometimes despair can be born from perfectionism. Are you being too hard on yourself? Are you overwhelming yourself with "shoulds?"

How can action be the antidote to despair? I think it's because if you are willing to take action, even just one small step, you are holding onto hope. And hope changes things.

If you are feeling despair this day, be gentle with yourself. Try taking one small, self-nurturing step. Can't think of any? 

Here are some simple suggestions:

• Take a walk.
• Take a bath.
• Phone a friend.
• Listen to uplifting music.
• Read a good book.
• Get a massage.
• Meditate.
• Pray.
• Make a gratitude list. What are you grateful for?

What would you add to this list? What action are you willing to take today?

"All the great spiritual leaders in history were people of hope. Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Mary, Jesus, Rumi, Gandhi, and Dorothy Day all lived with a promise in their hearts that guided them toward the future without the need to know exactly what it would look like. Let's live with hope." -Henri Nouwen