This post was written by Lydia Miller, manager, Chaplaincy Services, Parkview Health.
April is the National Month of Hope, and it coincides with the beginning of my favorite season—spring! The long winter months were filled with gloomy, cold and dreary weather. The world around us feels uncertain and scary. Despite all the negative events consuming us, spring has returned. Feeling the sunshine on my face, smelling the flowers and enjoying the fresh air has been a welcome change of pace. Spring is also the perfect time to renew our minds, reset and dare to hope that a better day is coming.
As the flowers bloom and the sun rises each day, how can we find hope anew?
Start with the acknowledgement that it has been a long, difficult season. Take time to reflect, lament and mourn. Rest. Journal. Avoiding or glossing over pain is unhelpful and unhealthy. Rather, remind yourself that it is ok to feel sad and angry and to sit with those feelings for a season. It is also ok to seek professional help if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Consider gratitude. When life seems overwhelming, take time to make a list of things, people, places and experiences that give joy. In the book One Thousand Gifts, bestselling author, Ann Voskamp, invites us to slow down and take note of everyday “gifts.” Just like nature awakening and returning to its vibrant colors in the springtime, so is our need to pause and appreciate the beauty and joy around us.
Be mindful of technology and social media. If your algorithm seems heavy, consider taking a break and opting for time outside, reading, or picking up a new hobby. For many, returning to the activities of yesteryear—enjoying a glass of sweet tea and “fellowship” on the front porch, crocheting/knitting, gardening, pickleball, sewing circles and thrifting have become safe spaces of comfort and companionship.
Live in service to others. Do something kind. Offer a word of encouragement. My husband’s grandma used to say, “When you are feeling sorry for yourself, help someone in need.” Those wise words have proven true time and time again. It is easy to get caught up in despair and things that are out of control in our midst. There are so many opportunities in our community to invest in others. Finding ways to help shifts our mindset to what we can do. April is also National Volunteer Month.
Dig deep into your faith and purpose. I believe we were all created for a purpose. Lean into your calling. Talk to a trusted friend or mentor, find books that inspire you, pray, meditate. This takes intentionality and practice. Philippians 4:8 (NLT) states: “…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Regardless of one’s faith tradition, we can all agree that focusing, or, fixing our thoughts, on the good around us will bring us hope and peace this spring.
