The Light Within Shines through the Darkest Night
“Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light.” ~ Madeleine L’Engle
Congratulations! If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you have survived the longest, darkest night of the year (Saturday, December 21) – the Winter Solstice!
For many people, winter can be a long, dark, and difficult time of year. For some, darkness symbolizes the unknown or fear. Yet, it intersects with a time of year – the Holidays – that the world tells us should be filled with peace, love, and joy. How do we face darkness in our own lives when the rest of the world seems to be shining brightly?
What if, instead of searching for light outside ourselves, we look for the light that exists within – our strengths and hope? I’ve supported loved ones during their moments of deep personal pain, and I have known profound pain and loss. Recognizing that we all have experienced those kinds of moments, Courage to Caregivers works to support caregivers through the journey of caring for a loved one in pain. When all a caregiver can see is darkness, we want to remind them of the light within.
Here are three tools that may help your light shine through the darkness:
PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION: Show YOURSELF the same kindness and love you do to your loved ones.
FOCUS ON WHAT IS IN YOUR CONTROL: Put your time and energy into things you can change.
REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT: When things feel hard, talk to someone – a trusted family member, friend, colleague, or professional. Asking for help takes courage and is a sign of strength.
Once we look beyond the darkness, the Winter Solstice can be a time to reflect, renew, and rest. For me, it’s an opportunity to consider BOTH what went well in 2024 AND what I’ve learned from my mistakes. It’s also an opportunity to look ahead and consider my intentions for 2025 – who, what, and how do I want to be and become in 2025? And just as the earth and some animals rest during the winter, I can be intentional about resting, too.
Reflecting on 2024 for Courage to Caregivers, we embarked on our second formal strategic planning process, our first with an outside consultant, to consider our strengths and opportunities for growth. We invited our participants and community stakeholders to weigh in and provide insights into their needs, as well as the needs of the communities we serve and aspire to serve. We refreshed our mission to empower and equip carers to navigate their journey. We envision a world where healthy carers lead to healthier families and communities.
It’s a time of transition at Courage to Caregivers. Our inaugural Board Chair, Kristine, who has faithfully led our Board since 2017, is retiring. We also said goodbye to some beloved team members in 2024: our Breathing Meditation Facilitator Cathy, our Group Coaching Leaders Donielle and Kathleen, and our Family Peer Support Specialist Amy. All of us have learned so much from these leaders and role models, we are immensely grateful for all that they have done to support caregivers, and they will be missed by many.
Changes can be hard, but I am choosing to look forward with light, anticipation, and possibility thinking. We could look at this moment of growth with fear or with hope. We are choosing hope. The future is bright.
Wishing YOUR holidays to be filled with everything YOU need.