“All the pain that comes with being human can crush our optimism if we don’t work actively to create our own hope.” ~ Zhena Muzyka

Zhena Muzyka, the founder of Gypsy Tea, is right on about hope. I admit that it’s bewildering to share love or hope while being consumed by our own sh*t.

We get lost in the pain of whatever it is that weighs us down: the struggles of work, college (or both), raising kids, being a partner in love, being single, caring for fur babes, dealing with Special Education laws, commuting, or even trying to enjoy an authentic life.

I came up with this playful way to share our love while feeling like sh*t.

Try these steps:

1. Pour coffee or whiskey into your favorite mug. No worries, this isn’t going to be a “let’s indulge in spirits and get lost” way to share your love; it’s so much more!
2. Sit at the kitchen table with a blank piece of paper and pick up a bright purple and pink marker in each hand (or whatever color markers you love).
3. Using both hands—free draw for three minutes.
4. Move slowly or wildly.
5. Let out all that sh*t that’s pulling you down. Let the should haves and could haves roll through the ink onto the page.
6. Time’s up!
7. Do you feel yourself move out of the box of little dark feelings? Are you stepping beyond your expectations of the day? Do you feel more alive?
8. Sip your coffee or whiskey. Breathe a sigh of relief.
9. Grab a new piece of paper, and with your non-dominant hand write a few words describing who or what you love—even if there’s not much to love besides a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Chocolate ice cream.
10. Write words of loving: sugary, milky smooth, creamy, sweet, mouth-watering, and more. Remember, use your non-dominant writing hand, so you can access your subconscious thoughts and feelings.
11. Once you are satisfied with the love words, fold the paper into an airplane.
12. Get up, and go for a walk. Breathe in the smells of Spring.
13. Bring the airplane with you!
14. Let go of the paper airplane—with words of love folded inside. Let it fly into the breeze for whomever takes a risk, and picks up the love!

Author: Jessie Wright

Editor: Emily Bartran

Image: LaShawn Wiltz/Flickr; Megan Leetz/Flickr