Hopelessness

Thats how I feel today.  I have felt this before all too often, but not all the time thank God.  Just today - probably because I got my hopes up in believing someone might have been interested in adopting Allie from the street.  I found out that person is not interested.  Allie is there every morning and I try to give him a calming presence while I am there, but there are four other cats vying for attention and food and they swat at him, and I just don't want Allie to turn out scared, or to have him missing one day.  I must get him off the street and into a good home.  I saw little Rufus this morning, he was there with his mommy Emma.  He looks nothing like his sisters I rescued JuJu and Nikki.  He is a black and white furball.  I will get his picture as soon as I can figure out how to get the flash to work on my camera, as its so dark out in the mornings!

These days, I’m more likely to feel hopeless than sad, more likely to feel as if nothing is ever enough, as if nothing really makes a difference, as if our whole human civilization is unraveling and there is nothing I or anyone can do about it. It’s a different feeling from sadness.  I found the following and want to share on my blog today - I hope you get a feeling of worth - if you've ever felt like I do sometimes - after you read this, like I just did.  This is truly inspiring:

We Are Their Heroes

If you worry that you have not made a difference, you have, for only those who do not worry about it have not.

If you feel overwhelmed, if the weight of problems is too heavy to bear, remember it is a shared burden and the strength of numbers can accomplish much.

If you think society and government are blind, it only serves to remind that we need to change one mind at a time, one law after another. We effect change by cooperation, not by isolation.

If you consider that we cannot save them all, and what difference does one make, you ought to know the joy of the one who is saved.

Mourn those we cannot save, it is a eulogy to their being. Do not let their loss be in vain.

Be kind to yourself, remember your needs and those of your family and friends of every species. Strive to be happy and healthy. You are needed.

Achieving balance in life is a lifelong struggle. We who help those who do not have all that they need should be among the most grateful for what we have.

Be proud of your accomplishments, not your opinions.

The quality of your efforts is more important than the quantity.

Forgive your own deficiencies - sometimes your caring is sufficient.

Everyone can do something, it is up to you to do the thing you can.

A kind word and a gentle touch can change a life.

If anger wells up within you, because people are the problem, remember your humanity and that people are also the solution.

Concentrate on specific needs, pay attention to the individual - they make up the whole. See beyond the unlovable, the unattractive, the impure and the wounded - see that their spirit is as deserving as the rest. Help them heal.  Their eyes are windows to their soul and the mirror of your sincerity.

All species, all beings, share this Earth in a chain of life. Care more about what makes us alike than what separates us.

Policies, rules and regulations are not infallible. Apply them judiciously, interpret them wisely.

No decision based purely on money is ever the right one.
Listen to your heart. Sometimes we have to do that which we are most afraid of.  Be true to yourself and your beliefs.

Family may abandon you, friends may disappoint you, strangers will ridicule you.  People shun what they do not understand.  Help them to understand - kindly, softly, gently.

Those who do not respect all life are to be pitied.  Often the wrongdoer is as in need of help as his victims.
Forgive, then teach by example.  Educate yourself or you cannot hope to teach others.

No action based in hatred is ever right and anger drowns out wisdom.  Yours may be a voice crying in the wilderness, make it a voice to be respected.

Listen more than you talk, be courteous and reliable.  Learn to ask for help. Never waiver from the truth.

Know that it takes a lot of strength to cry, and with every defeat, we learn.

All Creation celebrates that which is in its own best interest.

The Children are our hope - nurture them.

Nature is our legacy - protect it.

The Animals are our brethren - learn from them.

Your rewards will not be material, but they will be meaningful, and the courage of your convictions can survive anything.

We are small boats cast adrift on a cruel sea, but someday the tide will turn toward a safe harbor.

No matter how dark the storm clouds, or deep the pain of heartbreak - never forget:

We are their heroes.