Keeping Hope Going #Monday #Smackdown

The sun sets on Upper Lake Myakka in Myakka River State Park in southwestern Florida. Copyright by WyoJones. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

So, last week was one of “those” weeks where I got three and a half days of Monday, which totally hosed “hump” day and some other stuff. I won’t dwell on what turned my days into one unending Monday because whine-one-one is not that fun for the person on the receiving end of it.

But, having staggered into the weekend, and taking furtive and cautious look over my shoulder, I realized how very much hope plays a part in my days.

So that’s why I chose the above photo of the hubs. It’s kind of how my week ended, with the sun peeking over the horizon. Yes, I know this is a setting sun, but it is a beautiful shot and a reminder that each day will end and a new one will creep over the horizon from the other direction.

Some troubles take more than a day or two to be resolved. Some troubles last a lifetime.

I get these two realities.

But I also know that when I’m hip deep in trouble, I do better if I’m looking ahead, instead of looking down at the mud I’m tramping through. If I focus on what’s going right (even if it’s just a small pile of shiny next to the huge brown heap of trouble), than not looking at it at all.

Seriously, it is much better looking at shiny than the brown stuff.

The problem, of course, is that it is so easy to forget to hope when the wave washes over your head. A wise man once pointed out, that even if you’re being tumbled by the surf, you’re still being carried toward the shore.

I think about that a lot when I’m feeling tumbled and tangled in troubles.

The other thing that helps me is, don’t roll your eyes, counting my blessings.

1. Family

2. Friends

3. Sunrises and sunsets

4. Books to read

5. Books to write

6. Chocolate and Diet Dr. Pepper (hey, I didn’t say all your blessings had to be ocean deep!)

What gets you through the tough times? Do you call it hope or something else?

I love comments so much that I pick a favorite to receive my monthly AnaBanana gift basket ($25 value).  (And don’t forget that once a quarter I’ll be tossing in something fun from the Perilously Fun Shop!) Recipient is announced the first blog post of the new month.

And guess what? This is the very first blog of April! That means another winner! And I didn’t forget! See, there is even hope for me!

The winner is:  Carol Busbee!

Congratulations! AnaBanana will be in touch about how to get you your gift basket!

Perilously yours,

Pauline

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