When Hope Is Present

“Nothing is stronger than a small hope that doesn’t give up.”  Matt Haig

Despite the adversity we experience in our lives, we still hold onto hope. When hope is present, our resolve is strengthened. We have a reason to keep on keeping on - to continue moving forward.

When hope is present, our spirits are lifted. There is light in the darkness, so we can glimpse what is possible.

When hope is present, we have faith in a better outcome.

I’ve come to the conclusion that we’re all imperfect beings, just doing our best to stay afloat.

Bozos on the bus. Messy. Insecure. Judgmental. Kind. Curious. Racked with imposter guilt.

Anne Lamott wrote that forgiving ourselves for our failings and misdeeds is an advanced practise. An art of senior lifesaving. This gives space for hope to rise within us. A chink in the midst of despair. Enough to show that we are willing to move in the direction of healing. This propels us toward making hope and faith an ongoing part of our lives.

Hope is the belief that things can improve despite the odds we may feel stacked against us.

Hope is one of our most powerful emotions. It applies to all aspects of our lives.

It isn’t something that just materialises within us. We have to cultivate that small seed of hope that glimmers somewhere when we feel at our darkest moment. Cling to it with all our energy. Hope brings with it a newfound strength to find a way through. Somehow. Somewhere. Some way.

With hope by our side as a trusty companion, we are more likely to find that solution we are seeking. As long as we are able to keep going, to keep looking ahead, to believe support is available, no matter what threatens to overwhelm us. To have a modicum of faith for the possibility of change, improvement and finding a better way than the one that hasn’t worked for us.

Psychologists have made many studies which demonstrate the important role that hope can play in our lives. Their studies show that people with dollops of hope fare better at times of crisis and turbulence in their lives.

Hope can drag us out of bed in the morning when all we want to do is hide under the covers. It can get us through the day and lead us towards a glimpse of something new – a different path. Or help us find a new level of acceptance for what is happening in our lives.

I for one have decided to give hope a fair chance. To stand by me and hold my hand as I step out in faith, despite the myriad of doubts that threaten to drown me. When hope is present in my life, I can see the next step that I need to take and can believe that all things are possible in my life. This may just work out. I for one, am grateful for all the strength and newfound energy that hope has given me in my life.

 So, what have you got to lose. Give hope an opportunity to help you not just survive but to thrive in life.

My prayer today and always is that we all can hold onto hope and believe that

‘All shall be Well.’

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all.                      

Emily Dickinson

Author of memoir ‘Wearing Red, One Woman’s Journey to Sanity’

Available at www.browndogbooks.uk (paperback)and www.amazon.co.uk (e-book)