Beacons of Hope

Being a Beacon of Hope

In a world gone mad with anger, hatred, blame, and exclusion, I’m uplifted by the little beacons of hope I find when I least expect them. Whether it’s the early onset of Christmas decorations illuminating my evening walk, or a young girl wishing a couple of strangers a happy early Thanksgiving, I choose to both recognize, and contribute to that hope instead of wallowing in despair as I did for a week or so. So my blue porch light bulbs, and be-pearled flamingos hold constant, unwavering vigil over my home, and my spirit.

Though the evidence thus far is leaning towards a loss of our Humanity, I refuse to give up hope that even the most resistant can find their way back…hopefully before it’s too late. I won’t give up on believing in a better, kinder world for my grandchildren, and future generations even though I’m overwhelmed by conflicting evidence right now. Those little sparks of hope; the beacons in a stifling darkness are keeping me going, and helping my own spark stay alive.

As part of my efforts to keep the spark of hope not only alive, but thriving, I’m looking for ways to bring some of the inspirational, uplifting posts I was in the habit of sharing on Facebook to Bluesky. As some of you may know, I decided to limit my participation of Facebook to a bare minimum, as it’s no longer in my best interests, as can be evidenced by a massive increase in blog posts, to continue spending overmuch time on the platform. It became a time suck but also, a mood suck for me. So far, Bluesky requires a minimal amount of time and attention, and, given what I learned with Facebook, I hope it will continue in the same vein.

Blogging Away from Facebook

The daily posts have only been going on for about 10 days, so I have at least 20 to go before the habit is formed, and I write a post a day without even thinking about how I’m sticking to an unspoken schedule. There’s definitely been more time to write, and for the ideas to flow when I’m not clogging my mind with a deluge of useless information and emotional upheaval.

As such, I’m becoming a lot more introspective even when my walking buddy is chattering away about the imaginary worlds in his fictional forays. My ADD brain’s ability to tune everything out is being exercised along with my body these days.

Yes, humanity, and especially the version living in America right now has given me cause for discouragement. I allowed it to drag me down into a deep, dark place for a little while; unwilling to interact with other humans for fear I’d say things better left unsaid lest I lower myself to the standards I profess to abhor in others. As is my wont, I isolated for a couple of weeks while I sorted through the feelings of anger and abandonment leveled at nearly all my fellow humans. The time allowed me to put things in perspective, and to realize I was adding to the issue instead of trying to help mitigate the damage which is already exposing itself.

Upholding the Standards I Believe In

Leaving Facebook was, in part, a decision to distance myself from the ugliness of politics so I can find those glimmers of rationality I know still exist despite all efforts to smother them. I realized I have to do what I can to be one of those glimmers, and to help fan the flames of others. Human kindness, compassion, and rationality might be down right now, but they’re not out as long as people like you and me do everything in our power to keep them alive. They may be hiding out in the shadows for a little while, but they’ll emerge stronger and more resilient for the lessons we’ve learned.

Most important of all, we have to stand strong and tall in the face of all the ugliness, and not allow it to drag us down to that level. Turning the other cheek, or simply walking away has never been the coward’s way out, as some would have you believe. It takes a lot more strength and character to walk away from a fight which, in reality, is simply another attempt to spread ugliness, and drag good people down into the pit of anger and despair. If you decline the invitation to the party, you’re setting your boundaries, and upholding your own morals. If you ask me, there are times it’s better to sit on the sidelines watching and listening than to be part of a team that goes against all you believe in. For me, this is one of those times.

As the days and weeks roll by, and impending doom hovers over us like a dark cloud filled with acid rain, I’ll be looking for ways to make my beacon shine brighter in the small, subtle, but powerful actions of others, and in turn, I’ll offer some fuel of my own to keep those hope fires burning brightly.

Grateful for the Spreading of Joy

My gratitudes today are:

1. I’m grateful for the people who are still spreading joy.
2. I’m grateful for a spark of hope inside me that’s survived some pretty terrible times, yet keeps emerging, and growing.
3. I’m grateful for my decision to reduce my time on Facebook. I feel better for it already.
4. I’m grateful for all the people who did their best to spread hope and inspiration, and for finding ways to continue what they started.
5. I’m grateful for the time I’ve gained to write posts like this, and warm up my writing chops for bigger, better endeavors in the future.

About the Author

Sheri Conaway is a Holistic Ghostwriter, and an advocate for cats and mental health. Sheri believes in the Laws of Attraction, but only if you are a participant rather than just an observer. Her mission is to Make Vulnerable Beautiful and help entrepreneurs touch the souls of their readers and clients so they can increase their impact and their income.