A friend asked once... "how can we navigate difficult times?" How do we get through it? What helps, what doesn't? In the past I often replied 'I'm fine' when asked how I was, keeping things fairly surface level if something challenging arose.

Though nowadays I share more, open more. 'CONNECT' was my answer. That's what helps. Whether that's connecting with ourselves, with others, with nature, with universal energy... it all can provide immense support and healing. This is an example of CONSTRUCTIVE COMFORT, as I call it. Rather than searching for the full tub of ice cream or alcohol solely to numb how we feel on a regular basis. Many summers ago a family member transitioned into the next realm, no longer in the physical yet the energy lives on (even if some say that's simply within our memories and hearts).

Whilst this family member was old and lived a long life, I felt a huge empty gap and sadness as I started to adjust to new family life, and the need to connect as I navigated this precious time. I sent a message to a few local friends, explaining that during the next few months that followed I'd like to connect more, especially during the times I would have usually seen that family member in the past. Not out of distraction or to avoid the sadness I felt, though as a form of support as I got used to new family life and experienced the emotions that arose. "This is how we find the light in darker times" I said to them as I shared how I felt. CONNECTION.

It's using the difficult times as a reminder to connect at all the levels we feel necessary. Sometimes we may want alone time. If this is the case we can find the light during these moments by creating space to connect with ourselves and nature. A moment to observe, reflect, and simply be. Just like the beauty that can be experienced when we observe the night sky. It's dark yet can still be incredibly beautiful when witnessed, and light is also present too. And sometimes we may want additional support too. If this is the case we can find the light during challenging moments by reaching out, contacting loved ones. By creating connection, at whatever level we choose, can help us navigate through tough moments helping us to find the gifts in them.

CONNECTION is the LIGHT that darker times offers us. It's an invitation. Helping us realise that the darkness at its core is actually made of light too. It just needs us to flick the switch on. To create connection, in whatever way feels right for us... to be that light during difficult times. It's our choice. What helps you navigate challenging times? I'd love to hear. Have a friend going through a difficult time? Offer a helping hand and share this post.

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