Only Up

Many times in life, we find that we are living out the polar opposite of what we’ve imagined; the opposite of what we KNOW God’s promises are for our lives. For me personally, it has taken a lot of faith and a plethora of encouraging words to find even a sprinkle of joy when emptiness seemed to fill the spaces around me. This year, I’ve found myself in a few pits. Emotional pits. Financial pits. Marital pits. Literally, EVERY pit or low place where I felt light could never reach. I lost the fiery sense of direction I entered this year with and found myself very discouraged yet proudly able to mask it. The good news about life’s lows is that the only sensible direction is…upward. I’m writing this blog from the most transparent place; hoping that maybe 1 reader will find solace in knowing that I, TOO, have experienced struggle but that there is still hope for the future.

I’m sure you’re reading this wondering how it’s possible to smile during discouraging times…those times when literally I had no idea how certain things would get paid or how to bring about peace within my household because every conversation led to an argument. The answer is simple. I made the decision to hang on to the FACT that things HAD to get better. Some may call this hope. I am comforted because I can look at my situation and remember that tomorrow, I’ll wake up and I’ll be able to move in a direction that looks totally different. That’s KEY. After midnight (some of the roughest times in our lives), morning (better days) will inevitably follow; greeting us with new opportunities to either wallow in our pits or make strides to reach greater positions.

I’m no preacher, teacher, theologian, NOTHING of the sort, but I’d like to reference Luke 12:25 in saying “Who of you by worrying can add a single day to your life?”…a universal question that I hope will help minimize the (totally human) reflex to worry. We have options around here! We get to choose. We can choose to worry, wallow, and waste away our days wondering what better only looks like, or we can set our sights on greater possibilities and begin taking action; soon propelling us to our promised place! I hear you; I KNOW it’s easier said than done. It’s also easier to stay where you are. Life comes with difficulty but ask yourself…truly open your mouth and ask “Should I stay where I am because it’s easy? Do I want to just imagine what could be but not do anything about my current situation because it’s easier to just imagine a brighter future?” If you answered yes to either of those questions, do me a favor and close your browser now. This blog post is not for you, my friend. But if you’re one of the many readers who, from this day forward, will choose to take the route that challenges everything about your current situation, be encouraged! Take heart in knowing that you are about to shake your situation UP! Yes, this season in your life may be discouraging and seemingly never ending, but again, be encouraged! No more wallowing. No more worrying. No more pits or pity parties. Consider this your jumpstart. Your refuel!

I do apologize, this may not have been the “5 Steps to Success” blog or manual for an amazing life that you came looking for. This blog…I hope this blog served as a gentle hug and reminder that you can have more and that up is the ONLY way to go from here. You may be experiencing what seems like the lowest of lows but remember you DO QUALIFY! You qualify for a better future! You are worthy of every good thing. Set your intentions, remember that you have options, and choose to reach the highest level of your potential. It’s all very possible.

Lots of love,

Christiauna Simmons Williams