20 June

What is there to say when nobody is around, when silence fills the room and a lonely spark is found waiting for ignition into action and purpose in this life? What can be done to ease the suffering and the strife?

Each of us has moments when we feel most horribly alone, cast aside, forgotten, without hope or comfort. All is thrown asunder and a certain meaningless pervades; but what do we do when confronted in this way? Many busy themselves with trivial matters to distract them from the reality of the moment. Others take to self abuse of different forms. But, occasionally, one is spurred on by this emptiness to create, from dust it seems, a renewed enthusiasm rare, one which lifts one up and out from lost despair.

Confidence in self is an invaluable trait which can be learned at any age, but simpler earlier than late. And this, alone, can give an edge to someone who has passed through a time most difficult, and impart a sense of hope and courage all the while; simple things which invite a subtle smile of inner knowing, a way of coping without fail.

And this confidence of which we speak need not be expressed in outward manner, nor need one be extrovert in display. In fact, the quiet, calm, relaxed portrayal, over time, gives of greater confidence than a brash style ever could.

So take some time when feeling high spirited to look at how you cope when feeling ill of mind, and learn to build resilience and self esteem in preparation for those times when you are asked to question life. Study now will give you skills to battle long into the darkened night.