In the wake of difficult times,
HOPE
is a VERB that we need to practice daily – especially now, more than ever.
We need to exercise our
HOPE
muscles to stay in shape.
HOPE
is a noun, but is also a verb – it is something we can do.
And
HOPE
is important – even critical to our wellbeing.
HOPE
is defined as something that pushes us to want a better outcome. The verb of
HOPE
comes into place when we intentionally take steps to make that better outcome happen.
HOPE
is part of our self-narrative and helps us defines our future.
HOPE
can combat the fear we might be internalizing from the world around us. Practicing
HOPE
can be the action that has power over fear.
HOPE
can help us with our anxiety, which may immobilize us from action, by allowing our natural capacity of joy. Practicing
HOPE
can help us focus on the positive things that are going on around us every day.
HOPE
makes present difficulties much easier to bear. As Dr. Judith Rich writes, “
HOPE
is a match in a dark tunnel, a moment of light, just enough to reveal the path ahead and ultimately the way out”.
HOPE
also helps us build resilience and
HOPE
as a resilience practice is like being a gardener. Gardeners sow the earth knowing that some things will grow and some will flounder. They repeatedly begin again and re-sow, knowing that the wind, rain and sun can be nurturing friends or destructive foes. In the garden, there is both
HOPE
and its shadow.
HOPE
is open to the possible and deeply feels the moment of beginning anew.
So, let’s practice our
HOPE
muscle today:
- Know what you want. Be able to articulate it.
- Visualize your HOPE. Where do you want to go from here? What does each step look like?
- What we HOPE for doesn’t usually come flying through our front door. Reflect on what YOU have to do to achieve your desired outcome.
- See change as part of the process. Practicing HOPE is about continuing along a path that will lead to change even though we might not know the outcome.
- Surround yourself with HOPEful people – especially during difficult times. HOPEful people rub off their HOPE onto others. And this is a good thing to embody right now.
- Being HOPEful is about acknowledging, validating, and growing from very difficult and dark times. HOPEful actions can lead to systemic growth and positive change.