Embracing Gratitude and Positivity in Challenging Times

Semeion Richardson has always dreamed of owning her own home, a place where she could find comfort and stability. But when she began house hunting recently, reality hit hard. She realized the soaring prices were beyond her reach, leaving her dream out of grasp for the time being. 

Sure, she felt disappointed, but instead of dwelling on what she can’t have, she chose to focus on what she does have.

“The first thing I thought was, ‘OK, I can’t do that, but I’m not homeless. I do have a place to sleep, and I do have food,’ so I was like, ‘I may not be able to buy a house just yet, but I’m not in a bad situation,’” she says. “I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring, but I just have to be OK being OK, being patient and being grateful for what I have.”

This perspective epitomizes how Semeion, the founder and CEO of downtown Leesburg’s Artist with a Purpose, an art gallery and studio, approaches life by choosing to see the glass as half full, even when it feels empty. 

Her story is one of many that highlight the power of gratitude and positive thinking in navigating life’s inevitable challenges.

For Semeion, embracing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties; it’s about acknowledging them while also recognizing the good that exists. 

“Life is always changing, and there’s different seasons that we all have to go through,” she explains. “But it’s how we respond to them. Are we going to respond with negativity or with thankfulness and positivity?” 

Semeion’s philosophy is that one’s purpose is greater than their challenges—a belief that has guided her through the ups and downs of life. 

“Purpose is forever,” she says. “It was built in you, instilled in you the day you were born. It never leaves you. It’s you finding what it is that moves you so you can grow.”

This mindset has not only helped Semeion personally but has also been a cornerstone of her work with others, particularly in the mental health community. Through Artist with a Purpose, she uses art as a therapeutic tool, helping people channel their emotions and find healing through creative expression. 

“There was nothing like this in our community, so I created what I wanted to see,” says Semeion, a licensed success coach and therapeutic artist. “If you want to see love and unity, create an environment where that can happen.”

Semeion’s approach to life is echoed by Pastor Tony McCoy, lead pastor of Hope International Church in Groveland. Pastor Tony, former NFL defensive tackle with the Indianapolis Colts (1992-‘99) and with the Arizona Cardinals (2000) and a two-time cancer survivor, has faced his share of challenges. He too embraces a mindset of gratitude and positivity. And every day, he remains grounded in his faith.

“I think a lot of stress comes from people waking up thinking they’re supposed to walk through a day without challenges, without problems, without setbacks,” Pastor Tony shares, adding that what’s encouraging is knowing that God would never leave us nor forsake us. “Those things are going to happen in the life of every person, believer or non-believer, man or woman, boy or girl.

“Jesus says, ‘In this world, you shall have troubles, challenges, but take heart, have heart, be encouraged that I have overcome the world.’”

Pastor Tony’s battle to overcome cancer and other life challenges have taught him that while life may continue to throw obstacles in our path, our response to those challenges can make all the difference. 

“The stressful thing about challenges is that life keeps ‘life-ing’ while we’re going through them, so as believers, we must understand that challenges don’t limit us from achievement,” he says. 

Both Semeion and Pastor Tony believe that maintaining a heart of thankfulness, even during hardship, is key to overcoming difficulties. For Pastor Tony, this means beginning each day with gratitude despite trying circumstances. 

“Each morning, I start by voicing my thanks—thanking God for health, for financial stability, for my family, for Hope International, even if I’m going through a challenging season,” he says. “It’s important to speak gratefulness and positivity, to attract that positivity into your life.

“I bring that positive energy from all the things God has already done in my life. I truly believe that a heart of thankfulness is paramount.”

This inward focus on gratitude and positivity is what Pastor Tony refers to as the “stoicism mindset” — the ability to control what is within while letting go of the need to control what is outside. “Peace is something that you have inwardly,” he explains. “The greatest asset I have is being able to control within. The greatest stress maker in my life is when I try to control things outwardly.”

Semeion says she channels positivity the moment she opens her eyes each day.

“When I get up in the morning, I celebrate the moment because I am still here. I’ve seen life just kind of pass me by so many times, but I’m alive, I’m breathing, you know?” she says. “No matter what happened yesterday, I remind myself that every day is a new beginning.”