“Keep your face to the sunshine & you cannot see a shadow.” – Helen Keller
Another incredibly wise lady who managed to live positively with what could have been such a debilitating disability, Helen Keller went on to uplift and inspire others in ways that continue to resonate through generations. Her words remind us that even when life feels shrouded in uncertainty, there is always light to be found ~ if only we choose to turn toward it.
It’s not always easy to look towards the light and to find positive thoughts to hold on to; but how true it is that when we manage it, we feel lighter both physically as well as emotionally.
That has always fascinated me: the deep and intricate connection between our mental and physical well-being, and how much our thoughts can influence our physical state. When our mind feels heavy, our body often follows suit. Our shoulders hunch, our breathing shallows, and the world seems to close in. But when we allow even a flicker of positivity in, a hopeful thought, a grateful reflection, a smile, our whole being seems to respond with a sense of ease and expansion.
In times like these, when the world can seem full of challenges and uncertainty, keeping positive can feel like swimming against the tide. The constant flow of news, the pace of modern life, and personal worries can easily drag us into darker thought patterns. And yet, just as Helen Keller discovered, when we choose to lift our gaze toward the sunshine; toward what’s good, kind, and hopeful; we begin to shift our experience of the world.
For me personally, my faith plays a huge part in that. It helps me find something positive to hold on to, even on those grim days when the world seems to be conspiring against me. When I’m surrounded by grief or confusion, my faith reminds me that there is a greater purpose, even if I can’t see it clearly in the moment. But I also know that for some people, those same dark times can cause them to lose faith ~ to feel disconnected from whatever spiritual grounding once gave them comfort. And that’s okay too. We are all walking our own unique path.
We are all so very individual in our thoughts, beliefs, and humanity. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to spirituality and well-being. Yet within each of us lies a well-spring of hope, sometimes a deep, bubbling source, and at other times just the tiniest trickle. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, that well-spring can seem dry. But it’s never truly gone. If we can find a way to reconnect with it, to give it even a drop of nourishment, whether that's through prayer, nature, creativity, laughter, or stillness, it begins to bubble up again, often more readily than we expect.
Keeping our face towards the sun so that the shadows fall behind us can, even momentarily, help us tap into a physical sensation of well-being. It doesn’t have to be a grand or dramatic act. It might be as simple as stepping outside to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, taking three slow breaths, or pausing to notice something beautiful; a bird, a flower, a child’s laughter. These moments of presence create a shift within the body. That physical sensation, the calm, the warmth, the release; begins to influence our thoughts. And in turn, those thoughts influence our physical state.
Suddenly, hope bubbles up again even if we can’t pinpoint exactly why. It’s as though our body and spirit remind each other that they are not separate. They are two sides of the same coin, constantly communicating. When one lifts, the other follows.
In uncertain times, it’s easy to get caught up in what we can’t control, the economy, politics, global events, or the behaviour of others. But there is immense strength in focusing instead on what we can control: our attention, our breath, our intention, and our choice to seek light. We can’t always eliminate the shadows, but we can decide where we stand in relation to them.
Maybe for you, that means starting the day with a few moments of quiet gratitude. Or ending it by listing one thing that went well, however small. Maybe it’s taking a walk in nature, listening to uplifting music, or talking to someone who makes you laugh. Whatever it is that gives you that fleeting sensation of peace and well-being ~ notice it. Name it. Then, if you can, build it into your day.
Because positivity isn’t about ignoring reality or pretending that everything is fine. It’s about choosing where to place your energy, your attention, and your heart. It’s about finding the courage to say: Yes, there are shadows — but I will keep my face to the sunshine.
The world will always hold uncertainty, but within each of us lies a quiet, resilient strength. When we nurture that inner light even when it’s flickering, it grows. And just like Helen Keller, we discover that even in the darkest times, there is always a way to live with grace, purpose, and hope.
So today, take a moment to ask yourself:
What gives you that sensation of peace and well-being, however fleeting?
And how might you bring a little more of it into your day — so that the sunshine, once again, feels just within reach?