I Would Take the Deep Pit over the Dark Pit Any Day

Life can sometimes feel like a surprise quiz on a Monday morning, and it’s totally normal to feel like you’ve landed in the world’s biggest black hole. Whether it's personal drama, the untimely loss of your favorite snack, or just the never-ending saga of adulthood, these moments can feel like you are in a pit.

All pits are unexpected, but not all pits are bad for you. Sometimes, when life throws you a curveball, it feels like you've fallen a bottomless pit. It doesn’t matter how deep the pit is, if there’s a rope waiting for you to climb back out. Chances are that rope is there because of the person stuck in the same pit you fell into. However, it’s the pit that is so dark that you can’t see the obvious way out that is far more difficult to deal with.

Some pits trick you into thinking that hope is just a myth—like unicorns or safe public Wi-Fi. But let me remind you, there are glimmers of hope in the darkest pits if you know where to look. Hope that is brighter than the flashlight app when you can’t find the keyhole to your front door.

First things first: it's okay to be scared or confused when you’re stuck in a dark pit. Acknowledging sadness, fear, or confusion doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human (and means you might have an active imagination)! Remember, many brave souls have tripped over their own feet, and guess what? Their tales can help you find a way out of your pit.

When you tumble into the abyss of your mind, seek out tiny bursts of hope. No, I’m not saying you should find false hope, but if you keep your eyes peeled you might find the little joys that can shed light on your pit. Perhaps it’s the sun warming your face or a friend's laughter—even if you did something stupid that made them laugh! These tiny delights are like sprinkle donuts in a world of plain bagels, reminding us that hope still exists, even when it feels like life’s been taken over by an army of gray clouds.

When life gets tough, it’s easy to turtle, retreating into your shell (or covering your head with your woobie). But remember, reaching out to friends, family, or neighbors who always have a bright personality on your recovery path. Sharing your epic fails or darkest pits can turn into a comedy show, and let’s face it, being heard feels way better than talking to your houseplants.

Now we’re getting serious. I spend the first few minutes of my morning with Jesus. This time reading the Bible, studying theology, and praying helps prepare me before I tumble into a pit of despair. Amid the chaos, establishing spiritual habits—like downing coffee as if it’s water, or perhaps journaling about your love for dogs—can foster a sense of control (at least over your caffeine levels). Regular routines act like a buddy who has your back in the middle of a tough fight!

It’s essential to remember that while our current struggles might feel like the big ending of a really bad movie, they don’t define our entire storyline. By flipping the script—turning "I am lost" into "I’m just finding out what the GPS really means by 'recalculating'"—you begin to see that growth can happen anywhere—even on a back road in a national park.

Finally, hold on to hope by picturing what life will look like when you leave the pit. Think of it like picturing your fridge filled with all your favorite foods (even with the price of eggs) and writing down the steps (like a grocery shopping list). Dream about that brighter future; maybe it’s hotdogs at a ball game this weekend. By focusing on the possibilities ahead, you create a mental snack bar of hope, enticing you to step forward!

You can find your way out of the darkest pit with just a little glimmer of light. However, it can feel overwhelming when the pit is darkest. Each quirky step we take toward hope can light the way, not just for ourselves but also for those who might be following—remember, the dawn always follows the darkest night, so keep your snack stash full and let hope guide you to the buffet!