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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10349-You-Deserve-Happiness.html
Spiritual: September 02, 2020 Issue [#10349]




 This week: You Deserve Happiness
  Edited by: NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Sometimes it is very tempting to hide away. I know, I have been there. But hiding away does not help you live your best life. And you, too, deserve happiness.

This week's Spiritual Newsletter, then, is all about shifting that burden, together.

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Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Do you sometimes feel a sadness for the world? A grief so strong that all you want to do is hide for a bit, as the weight that rests upon your shoulders is simply too much? I experience this from time to time. I’ll think about everything bad that’s going on, and I get overwhelmed, and right now, of course, it’s easier than ever to feel like that, what with the pandemic going on. Overnight, seemingly, everything changed. I find it difficult to cope with change.

When a mood like this strikes, I wonder what’s the point? What’s the point of my studies, of my writing, of looking for that perfect home, when normality is crumbling around me at what appears to be an unstoppable rate? It’s no good having all that knowledge when I can’t use it. No good writing when there’s no one to read it… And I hide away for a day, or a week, feeling that weight, not knowing what to do about it.

I’ll pray. I’ll do the things that people say help you snap out of these episodes of mental strain: the exercises in gratitude, and the cat pictures, and the cute videos, but they do not alter reality. The bad things haven’t stopped, just because I have gone into hiding. I am not at the center of the universe, after all.

What helps me, always, eventually, is that there is a point. There is a reason to keep going. There are many reasons, as a matter of fact. Whilst, yes, there are many things that I cannot do anything about – I cannot stop the pandemic, nor climate change, nor hunger, nor suffering – there are plenty of ways in which I can make a difference.

More of a difference than I can make when in hiding, anyway. In my experience, hiding only makes things worse, because not only does it not relieve the weight, it leaves unsolved everything that piles up in the meanwhile, all those things undone, and then a feeling of guilt will load itself on top of that, and on it goes. We have this gift – each and every one of us – of life, and we have to make use of it. We matter, you see. We may not always realise it, but our existence, our presence, matters. What we do matters. A smile to someone we pass in the street, a kind word, treating those around us with friendliness and respect… all of it matters. How often have you provided a patient, listening ear and a shoulder to cry on? When you do, your existence has made a difference to someone. Doing well in our jobs, in our studies… even taking joy in our hobbies alters the world around us. Every positive thing that we do sends a ripple of positivity out there, and goodness knows that we need it.

We humans have been given a lot. We have the ability to create art, for one. Whether it is the written word, or a song, or photography, or a painting, we are able to touch the hearts and souls of others. This is a gift not to be underestimated. Have you ever read a book or a poem that touched you deeply enough that it changed the way you thought, or felt? Did it cheer you up? Did it give you hope? Imagine giving that same hope to others… Imagine making that kind of difference. Of course, you can.

When I meet my Maker and I am asked what I did with the life that I was given, I don’t want to have to answer that I hid in dread and fear. I don’t want to confess to endless wasted opportunities. I hope to be able to say that I tried my best to be a good person, and to make the most of it.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that it will be easy. It still feels like chaos out there. Together, though, we can make a difference. We can calm the storm. Lift that weight off our shoulders and watch it float away.

Whatever life brings, don’t give up. You deserve to be happy.



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Editor's Picks

Some contests and activities to inspire you:

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The Daily Poem Open in new Window. (13+)
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Daily Flash Fiction Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
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The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
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Verdant Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (E)
NATURE-themed quarterly contest.
#2000001 by Choconut Author IconMail Icon


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Barrel of Monkeys Open in new Window. (E)
An annual interlinked musical blogging challenge! Runs every September.
#1987725 by Jeff Author IconMail Icon


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CLOSED!The Monthly Reading Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Read and review a certain number of books within two months period and receive the prizes.
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The Dialogue 500 Open in new Window. (18+)
Dialogues of 500 words or less.
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Shadows and Light Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Do you love the challenge and creativity of free verse poetry? This contest is for you.
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And don't forget:

 
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Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Use the quote provided to write a story and win big prizes!
#1207944 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer

The Spiritual Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! *Smile*

Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,

The Spiritual Newsletter Team



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