This was my desk Monday morning as I stepped back into my office after the holidays. (Honestly, it still looks a lot like that!)  My inclination was to make it a huge project and post dramatic before and after pics.  Instead, I set the timer for 20 minutes and finished up as much as I could in order to get to work.  I was pretty proud of myself by how much I got done and the permission I gave myself to be present and productive.  I felt hopeful.  How is that hopeful?  Well, let's look at how I define hope.  Hope is the reasonable expectation that things can get better.  Giving myself permission to be imperfect was an improvement for me in my self care and my organizational skills.  I got an important project completed and didn't procrastinate by launching into a deep cleaning project.  Plus, I started looking for new opportunities to care for myself and allow myself to do great work.  It felt so great that I realized things could get a LOT better if I continue to do simple things like setting the timer and having realistic goals.  

Some times we make Hope a big abstract concept stored away for bad times. Hope is a self care tool available to you right here and right now! Look around and see what you find.   Can't find it?  Chances are someone who cares is holding it for you.