Hope is a common theme in my writing, especially my fantasy stories. This snippet from one of my unpublished works is a statement I truly believe. Hope carried me through the darkest, most agonizing chapter of my life. I fought a two-year battle through grief–grappling with the loss of my marriage–and the death of a dream.

Through it all, God was there, with me, cradling me within His love. Hope for a better future was birthed–a positive one–where I was living and thriving instead of existing in a cage of hopeless despair. It was no easy journey; I had good days where I felt strong, making good strides through my past trauma, and then I had days where I was utterly wrecked. On those emotionally hard days, I listened to worship songs and wrote poetry to battle through my grief.

I know hope, at times, can feel elusive, especially when you’ve lived under the weight of oppression for years. I lived in a toxic environment for ten years–had my identity, self worth, and self belief stripped away–and only realized the extent of its damaging effects on my mind, heart, and soul in that final year before my marriage eventually ended in the most unthinkable and horrible way imaginable.

If you’re struggling with hopelessness, despair, depression, or feel like nothing is ever going to improve or change, don’t let yourself drown in that dark void. Don’t isolate. Find those around you who can speak life into your clouded world. Get out and do something meaningful for someone else. Listen to uplifting music–worship songs did wonders for me. Speak to a wise counselor.

As hard as it may be to face the pain or a past traumatic event, working through it will reshape you and strengthen your spirit. I underwent three years of counseling because I was determined to not let my shattered world or my PTSD keep me down. I chose to fight and overcome. I wanted to be well. And so, that level-headed determination steered my course, keeping me sailing forward until I eventually felt whole.

My mother has a saying, “Don’t stay sick.” Recognize the sadness, the depression–give it a name, understand it, and work your way toward breakthrough. I do believe there is hope in any situation. You may not be able to see it, but its shining, even in the darkness. A guiding light to steer your course to victory.

-Stephanie Cotta. Author of YA and Adult Fantasy