By Nancy Stoops

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We are going through some hard times right now.  There are many people losing their jobs, their homes; and budget cuts to very important programs are taking place.

I still believe things can be turned around.  I still believe that people are basically good.  I still believe anything is possible with hard work and tenacity.  I refuse to give up in believing that all great things are possible.

They say people or things have to hit rock bottom before they will get better.

Take a look around in all that is still right with our world.  Take a look around at all the good that still goes on in our our community.

Please don’t use the state of the world as a reason to stop believing.  They say all things happen for a reason.  I don’t know why people have to suffer.  I don’t know why bad things happen to good people.  I just know that I believe in the good this world still has to offer.

I also believe our efforts to be our best do get rewarded.  It may take some time to see the results of one’s hard work.  Please don’t become a victim of apathy or anger because you feel every road you take becomes a dead end.  Remind yourself that there are unlimited roads to travel down and that eventually you will discover the right one.

We must learn to be happy with the baby steps that occur when we want change to happen yesterday.  Just for a moment, think back to a time that you thought would never change or get better; yet it did get better and so did you.

I have to believe things will get better.  We need to remember why we are here and how powerful we are.  We need to remember having faith in our world and each other is very healing and can lead us to finding that the right road.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services, feel free to contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727; or you may e-mail her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books, Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.