When the year begins with uncertainty rather than clarity, what keeps you putting one foot in front of the other?
It’s January and there are small and subtle signs that Spring is just around the corner. Snowdrops appearing and days lengthening ever so slowly.
And yet, for many people the year has started with doubt, disappointment and dilemmas. Opportunities may have disappeared, support been withdrawn and lifelines reeled in.
Globally too, these are dark times with difficult choices.
Faith, hope and love are foundational virtues that can guide us through times of darkness and uncertainty.
Faith – represents a conviction or belief that all will be well and reminds us of our ability to navigate life even when the future is uncertain.
Hope – is a positive expectation or mindset that provides the strength we need to keep stepping forwards.
Love – reminds us not to become self-absorbed by our own doubts and fears but to show compassion and kindness towards others and ourselves, as we begin rebuilding trust.
For those with a religious faith, their belief will also guide how these virtues are applied and acted upon.
But the key is always action. To know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That Spring will follow Winter. And so, to find the strength to believe in a better future and to work to make it a reality.
Perhaps the question to ask yourself now is not what you have lost, but what small act of faith, hope or love you can take today — for yourself or for someone else.
And if these times feel heavy, don’t carry them alone. Reach out, start a conversation, and allow faith, hope and love to be lived — not just believed
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”
– 1 Corinthians 13:13 –
“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well”
– Julian of Norwich –