Give Your Light to Others

“Give light, and people will find the way.” — Ella Baker

We all have loved ones or family members that may have lost their way,? whether from substance use, unresolved trauma, divorce, health challenges,? or other crises that may have led them down a dark path.?

Looking beyond your immediate family, perhaps the community in which you live, your workplace, your religious group, your ethnic group, your country, or other groups that you identify with, may also be in the midst of a crisis.

The struggle between dark and light, good and evil, pleasure and pain, sadness and happiness, is one that is found throughout recorded history.? This is the cyclical nature of life, the balance between two extremes.?

How can you make a difference in the lives of others when they begin to lose their way??

If you attempt to offer unsolicited help to someone who is not ready to make a change in their life, you will soon discover that simply suggesting change, is not going to be successful.?

Change happens as a function of personal readiness.?

If your loved one is not appreciating the destructive forces working in their life that are adversely effecting them, they are not likely to welcome your suggestion that a change is needed.

Everyone is personally responsible for changing their own life.? You may want to make changes for them (especially if they are a partner or family member), but it is not your job to change anyone’s life but your own. This is a difficult lesson to learn.?

You can express your concerns and demonstrate your love, but beyond that, all you can do is shine your light onto a new path, in the hope they will want to follow it.

Being genuinely caring and kind, while accepting the person at their own level and pace, is an excellent place to start. ?

No one appreciates being treated in a condescending, critical, or judgmental way.?

Exemplifying kindness, showing empathy, offering your support, and giving the gift of your precious time are great places to start to make a difference.?

Your efforts may initially be met with skepticism, embarrassment, or hostility, but keep trying when the opportunity presents itself.?

Consistent efforts at expressing your love and concern, goes a long way in changing hearts and minds.?

You do not have to agree with everything that your loved one does or says, as a prerequisite to loving and supporting them.?

Find common ground and make concrete goals to develop trust over time. You will be surprised how someone that may have once been angry or hostile toward you, may be softened as a result of genuine caring.?

Even the tiniest bit of light shined in a dark room, illuminates the entire room.?

You can have that same effect in the lives of others in larger society, by small, consistent acts of kindness and compassion to those who need it the most.?

As you serve others, you also improve your own life in the process.?

This is how you can influence the lives of those who may be walking on a dark, difficult path… by offering consistent unconditional lovingkindness and friendship.

It is never easy, but it is worth the effort; even if you only uplift the life of one person, who needs you.?

If you are struggling in your personal or professional life and need support finding your way back to yourself, message me for a conversation to see if transformational coaching can help:? [email protected]?

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