For the last 5 years, I’ve been facing a constant stream of challenges in nearly every area of my life, including finances, job loss, relationship issues, health problems, and the loss of a loved one. While I’m doing the best I can to stay afloat, there seems to be no end in sight, and I struggle to make sense of it all.

I’m a spiritual person, and I’m usually pretty good at keeping things in perspective, but I’m finding it really hard to keep the “faith”. I’m in therapy and have a good support system, but I still feel stuck.

In the face of so much challenge and chaos, how does one keep the “hope” alive and not turn into a completely faithless person? I would appreciate any thoughts you may have on this.

Thanks,
M.

Are you ready to slip on your red ruby slippers and kick off the New Year with a renewed enthusiasm for living your best life? Just like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, you probably have a “destination” that you’re trying to reach— goals that you want to accomplish. Maybe you dream of creating your own business, improving your health, or having more balance in your life. Perhaps you want a simpler life, one with less stress and demands. Although people often assume that “change” is difficult, it can be easier than you imagine.

First and foremost, you must believe in your own power and your ability to make positive changes. Have confidence that you can find ways to reduce your stress and better deal with everyday demands, resulting in more time and energy for the things you really want to do. The idea of believing in your own power is one of the most potent lessons from The Wizard of Oz. Just when Dorothy had given up all hope of getting home, Glinda, The Good Witch of the North, told her that she could go home by simply clicking her heels together. Dorothy had the power within her all along, and the same is true for you.

Another important strategy is to “simplify” your life, which will create more space for your dreams. The key is to identify and eliminate your “energy drains”. These are the things that routinely sap your energy, damage your health and relationships, and get in the way of your goals. What things irritate you, exhaust you, or are unreasonably time consuming? What are you “tolerating”? After determining your energy drains, take inventory of your strengths, and look for ways to leverage them. Are you resourceful, patient, flexible, or creative? Can you use these skills to eliminate or reduce the things that drain your energy?

Once you conquer your energy drains, a space will be created for clearer thinking, healthier habits, and more supportive people. When you are operating from a position of power and clarity, you will have a much better idea of what you really want. Your goal can be as simple as having one extra hour nightly to do whatever you please, or it can be as adventurous as traveling this summer throughout Europe.

Just like Dorothy, you are bound to face obstacles as you travel your path, some of which can be very formidable. Many obstacles, such as a job loss or unexpected health setback, may be out of your control. In Dorothy’s case, her biggest obstacle was The Wicked Witch of the West, who sent flying monkeys to capture her and trapped her in a poison poppy field.

However, despite these obstacles, Dorothy stayed on her path and ultimately reached her destination. To do this, she relied heavily upon the help of her support system—the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, her dog Toto, and Glinda the Good Witch. Think about the supports you have in your life. You may have a supportive spouse or friend. You may have a strong, energetic body or good job. During this time of change, it helps to notice, leverage, and be grateful for all of the things that keep you afloat and encourage you to move forward.

Why not make 2010 be the year that you dare to follow your own Yellow Brick Road? Even though the path may be difficult, it is well worth the journey. For the best chance at success, you will need to become your own Good Witch of the North. Be kind, patient, and gentle with yourself as you eliminate energy drains, focus on goals, gain courage, build a support system, and follow your dreams.

Virginia O'Hanlon

This time of year, it seems everyone is in search of the “Christmas Spirit”. The topic brings to mind the true story of Virginia O’Hanlon, an 8-year-old girl who wrote a letter to The New York Sun in 1897 asking whether or not Santa Claus was real.

While the child’s inquiry itself may not be remarkable, the response from the newspaper certainly was. It seemed to capture the “essence” of the Christmas Spirit and created an immediate sensation among its readers. It was so extraordinary that it was reprinted every Christmas for the next 50 years until the newspaper went out of business.

Translated into over 20 languages, the editor’s response has appeared in books, movies, plays, and a variety of other media outlets. Over a century later, it remains the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper.

Francis Church

The author of the famous response was Francis P. Church, a veteran reporter who had covered the Civil War for The New York Times. Having witnessed great suffering and a corresponding lack of hope and faith in many people, Church was inspired to write something that would be truthful, yet that would not dash the dreams of a young girl who still felt the magic of Christmas.

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