In a Valley So Low

Do you feel like you are in a low valley? Craggy mountains rise all around you, closing you in. Not a patch of green for hope or any way out? Have you been there for a while?

We all have these times. Sometimes, they are part of us: depression, loneliness, fear, anxiety... Other times, they are thrust on us – an unfaithful spouse, a sick child, bad health, the death of a loved one – things we cannot control. Things that slide us down to that pit that gets a hold of us, if we are not vigilant to remain on top – or at least as close to the top as we can get.

Life is hard at times. We wander through brambles when we could be remembering the joys we have, the blessings. It is amazing to me how dwelling on the good things can help alleviate the negative things going on. It doesn’t stop the negative stuff, but it can help change our attitude in how we are dealing with the present “bad” stuff. Positive thinking reminds us that when it feels like there is no way to go but down, in truth, there is an opportunity hovering, waiting for us to see it.

There are paths that lead out of the valleys, we just have to look for them and be willing to do the climb to get out. That might simply mean we need to change our thinking patterns from negative to positive. But sometimes that means getting help from outsiders (counselors, doctors), from people who know the right questions to ask and can remain impartial to see the bigger picture when we can’t. 

We are sliding toward the holidays which are hard on some of us because of loss or aloneness. Let's remember to count our blessings and let them help us focus positively on where we are right now. Then, if we need help, let's not be afraid to ask. No one wants to stay in a valley indefinitely. (And remember to hold out a hand to anyone you know is struggling through life right now.)