
I vividly remember a picture book from my childhood that featured a shepherd in a dark, rocky cave with a flock of lost and frightened sheep. The shepherd loved his flock so much that he went into the cave to find them, despite his own fear. When he found them, he was so happy that the light that guided him into the cave was also beaming from his own self. He held up a lamp to guide the sheep out of the cave. Despite his fear, his love for the herd drove him to be their guiding light. This image has always stuck with me and has often helped me find my way out of the darkness.
Our world is filled with challenges and turmoil, and it's easy to feel disheartened on days when hope seems scarce. Conflict rages in different corners of the globe, internal struggles divide our nation, and natural disasters often bring corruption in their wake. It seems that the world spends too much time creating things that hurt and kill each other. Now, more than ever, we need to create things out of love that will heal and bring peace to one another.
During these tough times, you might find yourself questioning, "What's the point of it all?" But I want you to remember something essential: the world needs you to follow through with your visions. Whether it's a business idea, a new invention, a piece of art, a song, or forming a self-help group, your vision is your calling. It's your contribution to combat the hate in the world and fill it with love.
You possess something amazing inside you: a vision, a dream, a passion. Don't ever underestimate its power and importance. Your unique contribution is invaluable, and only you can offer it. Even if you don't fully believe in yourself, find the courage within to pursue your vision.
When you manifest your dream into reality, you create with the expansion of love. You become a beacon of hope to those around you, even if you don't realize it. Your light shines, even on your darkest days because the very act of finding your way out of the tunnel illuminates the path for others. Sometimes, the best way to love yourself is to show someone else the path to love, for when you guide someone out of the darkness, you light your own way too.
The world needs you to follow through! You may never witness the impact firsthand, but when you work from love, that love ripples through the world, creating positive change.
Keep believing in yourself and your dreams. In times when you may not believe in yourself and lose sight of your goals, tell someone and do not allow the lies in your head to erase what you have worked for. Reach out to a friend, a support group, a spiritual leader, or a therapist. I am here to support you as well because I believe in you. Never before, and never again will there be another one with your exact experience and perspective. The world needs what you have to offer.
The world needs your light. The world needs your vision. The world needs your love.
Skip Sams: Composer, Self-Development Coach, and Creative Catalyst, empowers individuals with HIV, mental disorders, and those in addiction recovery to transcend their diagnoses worldwide. Based in Chicago, he shares his life with a feline roommate, Spats.
Collaborative artwork by Skip Sams with the assistance of Adobe Firefly and Photoshop.
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