There are many delights and pleasures in life, but there are worries and troubles too. The truth is, the sadness in our own lives, in our city, and in our world can indeed feel quite overwhelming, scary and can even paralyze us. In these tough times so many of us feel as though we are barely hanging on by a thread.
It’s been a tough year for many of us. We have experienced the death of loved ones. We are facing all sorts of hardships including several natural disasters which occurred in different parts of the world including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These events have caused immense destruction, displacement of people and loss of lives.
Many countries witnessed social unrest and protests against systemic racism, inequality and injustice. These movements highlighted the need for change and sparked important conversations about social issues.
The isolation, fear, and uncertainty caused by the pandemic have contributed to a global mental health crisis. Many people have experienced increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Several countries faced political challenges, including elections, political unrest, clashes, wars, and conflicts. These events have led to divisions and uncertainties in many societies.
The Power of Hope
Despite those challenges, the power of hope has emerged as a guiding force for individuals and communities. It has inspired resilience, unity and the belief in a better future.
Even when there is no guarantee of a better tomorrow, we continue to wake up each morning. Think about our history as a nation. Time and time again, we persevere and we continue to live our lives. Somehow from deep within, we have held on tight to the courage to get up each day and move onward. Because that is what we do. Hope has the power to make you do the impossible.
We typically think of hope as a feeling that something anticipated is likely to happen. Unlike a wish or a desire, hope implies expectation of obtaining what is expected. In Hebrew, hope is the word tikvah. In Greek Mythology, Elpis is the personification and spirit of hope. And in Italian, it’s Speranzaand and in German the translation for hope is hoffe or hoffnung. So, no matter the language, hope is a powerful force and probably the most important factor when it comes to overcoming life’s biggest challenges. Without it, everything is lost.
While it’s hard to be optimistic during difficult times, think of it as your only weapon, use it to fight and you’ll eventually find your way out. Don’t just sit there waiting for the worst to happen because there’s always one more thing you can do. You just haven’t thought about it yet.
Spreading Optimism
Some people are more optimistic and hopeful by nature, but even they need a little reassurance that things will get better. Stay involved; volunteer your time at a local Y, JCC or community rec agency to help others in need. Offer encouragement to strangers, make virtual contacts with those folks who are confined to their homes and let the first responders know how grateful we are for their devoted service.
When you hope, things are more likely to turn out the way you want them to. Because you’re willing to do everything it takes to make it happen. Hope is that thread we continue to hold onto during the gloomiest moments in our own lives and in our world. It’s the common thread we hold onto ever so tightly when nothing is promised and nothing is guaranteed.
All of humanity is based upon the notions of what could be, focusing on the future rather than the present. Rarely is anyone truly, wholly satisfied with the life they are living, preferring to think of the time to come as an ideal place where their aspirations can be fulfilled.
Hope is the belief that everything will work out, especially when it seems otherwise. It helps you stay calm and peaceful when something less than desirable emerges. Hope believes you will get through it, and it remembers the times you made it through. It teams with faith and believes in the impossible.
So no matter what you are going through, know that you are not alone.
Let these inspirational quotes remind you of your expectations and your wishes. Share these with others.
Alison Zurawski, community relations manager at Community Bank N.A. in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, “Hope helps us stay positive and gives us the strength to overcome any challenge.”
Albert Einstein, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
Artie Allen, non-profit executive in Dallas, Texas, “Hope is looking at a situation with positive intention. It propels you to continue on the path or vision in the face of trials, tribulation and adversity.”
Awab Habib, senior manager, basketball partnerships at Excel Sports Management, “Hope is the wish of a positive outcome.”
Barack Obama, “Hope — Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope! In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us…A belief in things not seen. A belief that there are better days ahead.”
Buffy Filippell, president at Teamwork Online, “There were two movies I watched last week. Both were up for Academy Awards in 1939. Gone With The Wind and Wizard of Oz. Both pictures featured strong women who, against all odds, demonstrated strength and perseverance, believing that tomorrow will be a better day.”
Bruce Landgarten, retired chief executive officer at Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area, “To have hope is to want an outcome that makes your life better in some way. It not only can help make a tough present situation more bearable but also can eventually improve our lives because envisioning a better future motivates you to take the steps to make it happen.”
Chase Minnifield, president at EZ Turn, Forbes 30 Under 30, “Hope is renewed energy.”
Cole McKeel, vice-president of partnerships at Huddle Up Group, LLC, “Hope is the never ending pursuit to find a glimmer of light, even in the darkest of times.”
David J. Halberstam, publisher SPORTS BROADCAST JOURNAL, “Hope is realizing our dreams, whatever they may be.”
Deb Yesenosky, Red Devil swim coach at Central Cambria High School/Athletic Enhancement, “Despite the uphill struggle, the lack of crucial support, or all cards stacked against you, you win because of hope.”
Elie Wiesel, “Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope too, can be given to one only by other human beings.”
Greg Mescall, broadcasting and communications professional, “Hope is the belief that your positive energy will lead to positive results.”
Len Moisan, president at the Covenant Group, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Scott Grant, president and CEO at Triple Threat Leadership, “Hope is the understanding/realization/feeling that everyday is part of something much bigger, and an opportunity to grow in every aspect of life. Hope is understanding the impact of gratitude, and believing life is a blessing.”
Tom Bodett, “They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”
