Dear Reader,

November 14, 2016
Day 65

     Here's how the days have gone for me lately:

1. Anxiety.
2. OCD.
3. Doubt.
4. Panic.
5. Fear.
6. Five minute break.
7. Repeat.

     It is exhausting. It weighs me down. It makes me feel broken. And it is easy to lose hope when you feel broken.

     I know this is not all for naught. There is a reason. Maybe you're the reason, dear reader? Maybe I'm supposed to tell you that you're stronger than you think. It takes a very strong person to get through the day when you've got one hand on a slippery log and the rest of you is threatening to sink down fast. It takes a strong person to lay down to sleep at night when the night time is the darkest and the scariest and the silence is the most deafening. It takes a strong person to cling onto hope and to search and search and search for that precious light when all you see is thick darkness.

     Dear Reader,
         
     Cling to hope. And while you're waiting for your lighthouse to shine through into the darkness, do these things with all your might:

Be thankful.
Laugh.
Talk to family and friends.
Write.
Cry.
Go sit outside with the most beautiful tree you can find and be still.
Be silly.
Dance.
Sing.
Watch funny movies and shows.
Take your time preparing a lovely meal, and then eat it with those you love.
Cuddle with someone you love.
Cuddle with someone you love of the furry variety.
Read. (May I kindly suggest anything by Laura Ingalls Wilder.)
Be thankful again.
Be thankful some more.

      Oh, dear reader, you are stronger and braver than you know. You will beat this. You will come out of that black, dark water. And when you do, you will feel the warm sun soft and sweet against your face. Hold onto hope. Don't let go of it.

     "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afriad; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9

     Thankful tonight for peace in the storm. For glimpes of light. For the thrill of hope in the midst of darkness. Thankful tonight for people who love me and are rooting for me. Thankful to be able to root for you, dear reader.