We all experience times in our lives when things get really tough. You know, those times that have brought you to your knees, caused you to separate self from feelings, just to survive, and those times when you have stared into the void, looking for that spark of light, any light.

It is during these times that we are called to make a choice.  

Do we choose hope, or defeat?

Auschwitz survivor and psychotherapist, Viktor Frankl said

“The last of human freedoms: to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” 

Even in the most dire of circumstances, after losing his family, he was able to choose hope.

Viktor Frankl didn’t live in a state of blind hope, wearing rose tinted glasses, choosing to wish away problems or pretending they didn’t exist. 

Nor did he live in a state of anger, or pessimism, spending his precious energy on things that were out of his locus of control. 

Viktor Frankl also didn’t choose to surrender into an “existential vacuum” –  his term for a complete loss of meaning, a loss of hope, a sense that nothing really mattered any more.

Instead, he was a realist, he faced the facts, focused on what he could have influence over, sought meaning and purpose, and in doing so, found hope.

An underlying belief he had was that human beings must believe that they are greater than they think they are: they must strive for great things. Even if they fall short, he argues, they will nevertheless have lived well.

I believe we are in a time where we are called to dig deep, to find our purpose, our calling, something greater than ourselves. To find our deep Why?

• Why do we do what we do?
• Who do we do it for, and why?
• What is our deep purpose, or calling?

Rising above the surrounding noise, we are then able to both acknowledge our current state, then look beyond it to focus onto what really matters. Maybe it comes in those we serve, our family, our friends, our community. And if you don’t have a purpose, then go find one!

In this time of uncertainty, my friend, I encourage you to choose hope, and to support others to do so.

To reach deep within your heart space and find how you can make a difference to those around you and your world. Then, get into action. Live your purpose, and support others to live theirs.

Go well amazing one.

MA