The Positive You Almost Missed
JOURNAL ENTRY #17
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026
This journal isn’t just about writing stories of my day.
Some days are harder than others. Life can be difficult, and every one of us here on this earth is going through something. We see it, we hear it, and we witness it — not only in those we love and those closest to us, but often in complete strangers.
I’ve always been an empathetic person. I feel the hurt others go through, even people I’ve never met. It’s difficult because you wish you could simply snap your fingers and make life in this world, in the era, better for everyone.
I may not be able to do that, but I can pray. And I do. I pray for the Wonderful World Tomorrow that I know is coming, and I hold fast to that promise.
Today was one of those days.
On the very first page of this journal, I wrote the words:
“For Use of Reflection and Positivity.”
My hope is that this particular entry encourages others to begin a journal of their own with those same words written on the first page.
I understand that some days are difficult. But I also promise you this: there was something positive that happened today. Something worth noticing. Something worth writing down. Sometimes we have to intentionally look for the good so it isn’t overshadowed by the difficult.
When I find myself in those “blah” moods, it’s hard to want to do anything. I have a tendency to shut down, and I know many of us do when life feels overwhelming.
But today…
I chose to move forward.
I picked out the canvases for my “Live By” series. I had a stack of 16 × 20-inch canvases, all practically raising their hands saying, “Pick me!” 😂
I gathered them up and carried them into the studio.
Then I cleaned the chair rail and baseboards along the entryway just outside my studio doors, preparing the space where I’ll be creating my vision boards for the series. I’ll be framing everything to complement the character and history of The Union House of Hogarth.
That may have been as far as I got today with the project, but that’s okay.
Because it has officially begun.
And that’s exciting enough to celebrate, no matter how small it may seem.
That feeling of helplessness I started the day with?
It lifted.
And how did I end my day?
Hanging a couple of spider plants outside — one of them successfully multiplied — while fireflies danced through the evening air.
Peace.
We all long for peace in our lives. While this world and this present era may cause many to believe that all hope is lost, I assure you…
Peace is coming.
Hold fast.
And before your day is over, go write down the positive thing you found today. It may be small, but it matters. Those small moments have a way of reminding us that hope is never as far away as it sometimes feels.
What was your positive today?
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
Until Next Time…
LHogarth
