Turning Darkness Into Light

When I wrote my last blog, I didn’t expect it to lead me here - to this moment of reflection. But it did. And I realised something simple but powerful: this whole journey is about learning to turn our own darkness into light.

We often forget to pause and praise ourselves for the little wins. We brush past them, waiting for something “big enough” to celebrate. But those tiny steps forward are the real victories. Pat yourself on the back. Speak kindly to yourself. Protect your inner space with gentle words - because what you feed your mind and heart is what grows.

You really are what you consume. If you fill yourself with small joys, your brain learns to create more of the good stuff - literally. Tiny sparks of joy release dopamine, one of our “happy chemicals.” For many of us who struggle to produce enough of it naturally, learning how to create these little uplifts is not just helpful - it’s essential!

And here’s the secret: you don’t need anything grand. Joy lives in the smallest things, the everyday details we often take for granted. A warm cup of coffee, sunlight through the window, the feel of soft fabric, the smell of your favourite perfume, or the sound of laughter. Start training yourself to notice them. Make a mental list - or better yet, a physical one.

☆Keep a folder of happy photos on your phone.

☆Tuck a picture into your purse or wallet.

☆Carry a handkerchief with a drop of your favourite essential oil.

☆Collect textures, smells, tastes, and sounds that lift you.

These tiny pieces of joy become tools you can carry with you, anywhere, anytime.

And it doesn’t stop there. Movement can be joy. Carry a fidget without shame if it helps you. Put on ear defenders when the world feels too loud. Find sixty seconds of calm in a quiet corner. Wrap yourself in a blanket. Hug a pillow, a teddy, or your pet. Build these rituals into your day - tiny anchors that help you stay steady and regulated.

The truth is, no one else is going to create your light for you. They’re too busy working on their own. And that’s okay. Because the beautiful thing is - you can. You have everything you need to spark those little bursts of brightness for yourself.

Socialise if you want. Don’t if you don’t. The point is, tune into your needs. Honour them. Build small, joyful, sensory pockets into your daily life.

This isn’t just for people who are “sensory seekers” or “strugglers.” This is for everyone. We all need tiny pieces of light to carry us through.

And when you learn to collect them, protect them, and savour them - you’ll see that darkness doesn’t stand a chance.

And if one day you find yourself with a little extra energy to spare, you can always use it to help others too. Notice the way someone’s face lights up when you share a kind word, or how a simple chat with a friend or family member can shift the mood. Small gestures - whether it’s a smile, a listening ear, or sharing one of your own little joy-tools - can help someone else build their own toolkit. Kindness doesn’t have to be big or grand; it costs nothing, yet it can light an enormous spark in someone else’s darkness.