I never was a early bird. I’m more of the night owl type. Getting up at the crack of dawn because the “early bird gets the worm” has rarely been a proverb that inspired me.

But i still remember, as a kid, waking early during our long Canadian summer days. It was easy to do this because i was out of school for 10 weeks. (And my mom would testify to the fact that when going back my elementary school in September also meant sleepy eyes at 7:15AM, go figure).

The Sun would rise around 5:30AM. I’d get up and look at the light trying to pierce its way through the darkness. I knew a few things about darkness.

• It can be scary (i needed a nightlight to sleep)

• People sleep, well, most of them anyways

• Monsters thrive during the night (they hid under my bed and in my closet)

• Humans can live in dark places (at least in their minds)

My parents had divorced a few years earlier. I understand now that their adult decisions that affected me. But not then. Those dark thoughts of “It’s my fault”, “Relationships can’t last forever and work out”, “Who can understand me?” crept their way into my life, uninvited and definitely unwelcomed. Still, they built a house in my home.

Fast forward a few years. I’ve dealt with that darkness, with the conflicting emotions, made peace with both of my parents and chased them monsters away. The future did become brighter in my life. I have learned a few things then, that I’m still learning today. (Isn’t life a long learning lesson?!). Here are 5 ways to welcome a BRIGHTER FUTURE

1. Admit that light always wins against darkness

2. Believe that if things can go bad, they can also go well.

3. Cast the vision of your preferred future for yourself . Write it down.

4. Determine what your next step is …and take it. The journey will bring you to your destination.

5. Engage in relationships that encourage and build you up. Perhaps a coach or mentor will be helpful!

I don’t know where you’re at in your spiritual journey or if you even have one but I love this quote taken for the Bible.

“Lord, you are my lamp.

You bring light into my darkness.”