Today’s inspiration comes from an exercise introduced to me through one of my daily readings. It suggests using Saturday as a day to look back and reflect on each of the previous seven days.

As I ticked through each day of last week, noting the ups and downs, I smiled at the hard evidence of an obvious reminder:

Life has peaks and valleys. Some days are valley days. Some days are peak days. Some days we’re working hard to get from one to the other. – BeckyGalli.com

The more I studied the pattern, the easier it was to accept the pattern.

And, more importantly, adjust my expectations.

My dad used to say, “You can’t live on the mountaintops of life.”

By the same token, we aren’t meant to stay stuck in the valleys (or fogs) of life.

I found myself returning to a little word that’s helped me navigate the challenging ups and downs of my roller coaster life for years.

The power of the word:

THROUGH.

We’re meant to walk through the valleys of life, as the Good Book tells us, not take up residence there.

So I began focusing on a few “through thoughts” to help keep me moving:

• Yesterday’s valley is over. Learn from it, but don’t linger.

• Focus on what’s better about today. Don’t worry about the best.

• Celebrate successes, no matter how small.

• Express appreciation to those encouraging you. Let their care fuel you.

• Absorb light and love. Look for them daily.

• Embrace tomorrow’s challenges as possibilities. Hold them lightly.

I’m learning that:

Getting through life’s valleys and fogs isn’t always about making great strides. Sometimes it’s simply about finding enough momentum to keep moving. – BeckyGalli.com

How about you? What “through thoughts” sustain you?

And on we go. . .

P.S. Thank you for your many expressions of care, encouragement and prayers through these challenging medical times. Lately there have been more peaks than valleys and I am deeply grateful.

P.P.S. I’m excited to share that my conversation with Candice Snyder on her Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities podcast airs today! We talked about navigating life’s unexpected challenges, finding strength through loss, and learning to embrace what’s possible—even when life looks nothing like we planned. 💛 Keep an eye on my social media channels for the link to listen!