At our lowest moments, it can seem like there is nowhere to turn, no refuge from the storm. We begin despairing and questioning our worth, grappling with thoughts that drag us down further. But there exists a wellspring of hope and inspiration when we turn our eyes from the pits of our despair to the heights of possibility.

What Does ‘Looking to the Highest’ Mean?

“Looking to the highest” might initially bring to mind spiritual concepts, and for some, that interpretation can bring solace. However, it can also simply mean looking towards the best within ourselves, our loftiest aspirations, and finding new ways to persevere in spite of adversity. “When you’re at your lowest, look to the highest” exemplifies the need to keep our thoughts focused on the best aspects of our lives and ambitions, while actively acknowledging and battling the obstacles we confront.

As the famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche stated, “He who has a why can bear almost any how.” This sentiment emphasizes the importance of having a strong sense of purpose, a “why,” that helps us overcome the “how,” the difficulties and the hardships.

Lifting Our Gaze – The Benefits of Positive Thinking

It is only natural to experience moments of despair and anguish in our lives. The trick lies in learning how to bounce back from those lows and use those experiences to fuel our growth. In fact, scientific evidence supports the idea that positivity can significantly improve our mental and physical health, relationships, and even our ability to bounce back from adversity.

Here are some points to consider that may encourage positive thinking:

• Increased Resilience: Optimism and positive thinking have a direct correlation with higher resilience. Resilient people are more equipped to manage and adapt to changes in their lives, preparing them to face struggles with greater ease.
• Improved Mental Health: Positive thinking is a powerful tool in combating mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives rather than dwelling on our fears, we can create a more hopeful outlook and foster better mental health.
• Better Physical Health: Studies have revealed that individuals with a positive outlook on life are generally healthier than those who are pessimistic. Positive people are more likely to engage in activities that promote health, such as exercise and maintaining a balanced diet.
• Enhanced Relationships: Positive people are more likely to enjoy stronger relationships with family and friends. Their kindness and willingness to support others positively impact those around them, establishing a healthy and nurturing environment.
• Greater Success: A positive mindset enhances our creativity, productivity, and problem-solving abilities. These characteristics make it more likely for individuals to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Finding Your ‘Highest’

For each person, the “highest” will be different. Regardless of what form it takes, the key is to discover a purpose, a guiding principle, or a cherished goal that gives us the strength to endure even the most trying moments in our lives. Here are four strategies to help you identify your ‘highest’:

• Create a ‘Vision Board’: To identify what truly fuels your passion and provides meaning to your life, try creating a vision board. Assemble images, quotes, and ideas that resonate with you and display them in a place where you can see them daily. This exercise can help you visualize and connect with what brings you the most joy and fulfillment.
• Practice Mindfulness: Our lives are so busy that we often miss the moment-to-moment experiences, joys, and triumphs. By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to become aware of the present and savor what’s happening now. This focus strengthens our ability to find sustainability in all aspects of life.
• Reflect on Past Accomplishments and Experiences: Consider the times in your life when you felt accomplished, proud, or truly alive. What were you doing that led to these moments? Analyzing your past experiences can help you identify what activities and environments bring out the best in you, guiding you to discover your ‘highest.’
• Connect with Others: Engaging in conversations with friends, family, or even strangers about what brings meaning to our lives can provide us with valuable insights. Opening up about our own aspirations and listening to others can help unveil hidden interests and passions that can serve as our guiding light during difficult times.

Inspiring Quotes to Turn Your Gaze Toward the Highest

Sometimes, a simple quote can encapsulate the sentiment and emotion we need to hear to inspire us and spark a change in perspective. Read through these quotes, attributed to some of the most influential and knowledgeable individuals, and allow their wisdom to illuminate your path to ‘looking to the highest.’

• “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson
• “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
• “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
• “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” – Marcus Aurelius
• “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller
• “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
• “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
• “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Setting Your Sights on the Highest

In the process of overcoming adversity and transforming our lives, one of the most powerful tools we possess is our capacity for hope and perspective. As we turn our gaze from the lowest points to the highest aspirations, we empower ourselves, emboldening the spirit within us to thrive, no matter the challenges we face.

In the words of the great writer J.R.R. Tolkien, “Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.” In the face of our darkest moments, choosing to look to the highest strengthens our resilience, nurtures our relationships, and sets us on a path to achieving our loftiest dreams.

Nurture your strengths and believe in the power that lies within you. With determination, hope, and a steadfast focus on the highest, we hold the power to turn our lives around and find the meaning and fulfillment we seek.