Be the Lighthouse
Lessons from the sea on spreading joy with reckless abandon
Today is National Lighthouse Day, and ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved lighthouses.
To me, they’re so much more than beautiful structures helping boats navigate. That bright light shining out of the darkness is a source of hope, comfort, and joy.
Growing up, I was lucky to spend time on the ocean with my family on our sailboat. Being out on the water always feels so peaceful and freeing, and there’s nothing quite like the excitement of seeing a dolphin leap out of the waves or a whale breach in the distance.
But when the shoreline disappears behind you and you can’t yet see the land ahead, the vastness of the ocean can feel unnerving. For a moment, it can seem like you’re completely alone in the middle of an endless sea. And then a lighthouse comes into view, with its bright beam sweeping across the water, and all that fear begins to fade.
You are safe. All is well.
There’s a quote I think about whenever I see a lighthouse:
“Don’t forget that you may be the lighthouse in someone else’s storm.”
—Unknown
It’s a beautiful reminder, isn’t it? We all have the power to bring light into someone else’s life.
There’s so much negativity around us, and it’s important to keep in mind how much we can do each day to spread more positivity and make the world even a tiny bit brighter.
While we can’t control every single thing, we absolutely can choose to:
• Be aware of the conversations we start and keep in mind that when we bring up something negative or post something online, someone else’s mood can be affected, often in a bad way.
• Be a beacon of hope when a friend or loved one comes to us with a problem and, when appropriate, help them look on the bright side and discover silver linings.
• Give compliments to strangers, share funny stories, and tell one person each day how much joy they bring to our lives.
• Be the first to smile, wave, and wish people a good day.
The world may never be free of sadness or pain, but we have so much more power than we often realize to be a bright spot and help the people around us feel even a tiny bit better.
Spread joy with reckless abandon. And when times are especially dark, remember to shine on like the lighthouse.
With love and smiles,
Emily
P.S. If you’re an author, entrepreneur, creative, or small business owner who wants to grow your visibility and reach more people with your work, I’m offering two live small-group coaching and Q&A calls this month when you join my DIY PR Course. You can learn more here.
💛 Hi, I’m Emily Florence
I’m the author of Even Better: Easier Ways to a Happier Life, featured in Yahoo Finance as “The Feel-Good Book of 2024.” Even Better is a refreshingly uplifting book for creating more happiness and ease in everyday life.
As an award-winning writer, entrepreneur, and eternal optimist, I believe life gets better when we step off the sidelines of our own lives and say yes to what’s calling us. I also believe in being kinder to ourselves.
Thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with me. I’m happy you’re here!