To everyone who may be going through a difficult time, there is hope in your situation. There is no denying that we are living in turbulent times and many of us have been tried to capacity. We each have our burdens to carry and some of us are carrying heavy burdens in silence, and with little to no support. If you are reading this, applaud yourself, you’re still here. You’re still standing, and you’re not alone. So why is it important to hope? Let’s talk about it!
For starters, let us be clear on the word “hope.” How is “hope” defined and what does it mean to “hope”? Check out some definitions for hope directly below:
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
verb
“to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true”
Cambridge Dictionary
verb
"to want something to happen or to be true, and usually have a good reason to think that it might"
Dictionary.com
noun
"the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best"
Why Is It Important to Hope?
Having hope allows us to live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Being a hopeful person inspires others to be hopeful also. Hope wards off negativity, depression, and suicide. Hope empowers. Hope uplifts and inspires. Hope motivates and hope helps to drive us forward. Hope is useful. Hope is good. Get you some hope!
We all have our way of coping with difficult situations. Check out these 10 easy ways to find hope in difficult times and to inspire others to do the same!
1. Join Support Group / Faith-Based Community
2. Seek Professional Help
3. Prayer
4. Daily Meditation / Affirmations
5. Focus Your Mind on the Positive
6. Focus on What You Can Control
7. Eradicate Negative Thinking and Speaking
8. Limit the Intake of Bad News
9. Listen to and Surround Yourself with Positive People
10. Practice Acts of Kindness
Check out this short video clip of Dr. Shane Lopez discussing hope:
Interview with Dr. Shane Lopez, former senior scientist for Gallup, research director of The Don Clifton Strengths Institute, and fellow of the American Psychological Association.
Check Out These Great Articles on This Week’s Topic Below:
How Hope Can Help You Heal. By Amanda Enayati, CNN Contributor. CNN. 2013.
Scientists Find Out How Hope Protects the Brain. BigThink. 2017.
Harvesting Hope. By Dr. Stephen Joseph. Psychology Today. 2012.
Why Hope Matters. By Polly Campbell. Psychology Today. 2019.
Takeaways
Hope is a powerful tool for combating grief, stress, and life challenges. It is possible to hope in seemingly hopeless situations. If you are feeling hopeless, look to positive people for support and encouragement. Utilize the support groups and professional help available to you.
As always, my beautiful Tribe, remember to commit yourself daily to caring for and loving yourself, no matter what. We here at The Let’s Talk Tribe are rooting for your continued success. Please like, share, comment, and SUBSCRIBE!
Always With Love,
The Let's Talk Tribe Team
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