Finding Hope Through Connection

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo

I started my day by having tea with a wonderful friend; the connection was awe-inspiring. Feeling the bond and our sense of community (meeting at a local coffee house in a small town) is the essence of the human experience. It is how we can light the world we are in, especially when we are struggling. Where would we be without each other? We had a deep exchange where we unpacked our challenges as of late; the thought of suffering together most certainly involved a higher power.

As we departed from our morning of fellowship, we both said how we thought things looked pretty good, with a bit of dark humor sprinkled into the moment. Still, after our departure, things felt like they had improved. Our spirits hugged each other, which helped shed light on each of our paths. 

If your world feels dark right now, step into the light. Yes, it may seem out of reach. Still, with some concentrated effort, you can lean into some kind of connection (with an animal, child, friend, family, coworker, clergyperson, or through brief encounters with your community like at a coffee house, in the library, at the store or on public transportation). Sometimes just smiling at a stranger warms our hearts when we unexpectedly get a smile back.  

Where is the love in your life? I encourage you to go inward and sense your heart if you feel empty. Can you feel it beating? It beats for you; this is the wisdom of the body and self-love; allow the feeling to grow. With some grace for yourself, take some deep breaths, and remember you are alive and meant to connect with others; we can find hope through connection. Give it a try!

Self-love

Photo: By Kathryn J. Raths (the front of a book container I painted)

In the short time I have been working at Still WatersCounseling, in Saline, Michigan, I have sincerely been blessed with a wonderful work environment, heartfelt coworkers, and supportive owners who are well-credentialed therapists. The client base that shapes my day-to-day existence has kept me focused and has continuously challenged me to go deeper within myself and into their worlds. I am intrigued by each and every person whom my path crosses. As I witness the transformation gifted by each individual’s therapeutic process, I learn something new daily. It is a very individual experience. While many commonalities exist in mental health struggles, each person brings a unique experience. What works for one person may or may not work for another; considering this, it becomes a discovery process and an adventure. But, much of the struggle is heightened and prolonged because of the view of self. When we face the world being unkind and harsh to ourselves (often, this is the underlying belief of being a failure or feeling a lack of worth), we cheat on our own successes. This distorted belief blinds us, robs opportunity, and cripples movement forward; it energizes darkness and more suffering.

By enabling self-forgiveness, we can manifest self-compassion. Without it, our energy will continue to drain, and although we may be strong enough to keep pushing, the fight will always be a fight, and we will never be self-fulfilled or truly give ourselves credit for all our accomplishments. You can be the most successful person through a societal lens, but if you do not love yourself, you will believe you are a failure. You, my friend, are worthy of the miracle of you and all that your best self has to offer. All you have to do is plug into the movement of self-love and learn to celebrate yourself. Please do not give your power away by sitting around and waiting for others to do this. You are your best investment; you have your back, which is the most important thing to realize; run with this notion! Once you fully embrace this message and make it part of you, your light will shine brighter than ever, and the outside pieces of your life will fall into place and flow more peacefully, much like your inner self. This love and happiness authentically came from the inside out instead of the outside (material wealth only boosts happiness momentarily). Genuine love from the inside out is what feeling good in your skin is all about; it gifts long-term bliss. Bless yourself with the wonders of you. If you feel you have lost hope, tug on a lifeline for help, and seek local counseling, you are worth the effort!