HOPE IS STILL IMPORTANT…

This week I want to talk to you about how, although I am well known for saying that hope is not a strategy, it is also very important for me to stress that hope is still important. Hope isn't just a passive feeling; it can be a strategic tool too. Hope is also contagious. 

It sometimes feels like the world is closing in, but hope is still important; it keeps us moving forward, even if things seem bleak. In navigating life's chaos, hope guides us. Hope doesn't have to be grandiose. It's the small victories that count; even just getting out of bed some days. 

It's easy to dismiss hope as just wishful thinking but, if channelled positively, hope fuels your determination. It's not naive optimism; it's you moving towards a desired reality. Hope fuels dreams. Hope is a safety net that catches you and reminds you to try again and to keep moving.  

Optimism is also a catalyst, moving you towards unexpected opportunities. Hope helps us explore possibilities we sometimes overlook. Hope also strengthens resilience. When setbacks occur, as they inevitably do, hope prevents our despair from taking hold and reminds us to keep going, despite setbacks.

Here are some examples:

1. A doctor reassures a patient, saying hope fuels healing. Hope is a vital part of recovery, and hope for recovery may lead me to research treatments, or the patient to pursue a healthier lifestyle, ultimately aiding healing.
2. A student who is struggling, hoping for improvement, adopts better study habits, ultimately raising grades. Or their teacher inspires students by planting seeds of hope, encouraging them to dream big.
3. A gardener sows seeds of an apple tree with hope for the future as, although he knows he may not see or benefit from the apple tree in his lifetime, future generations will.

However, relying solely on hope results in disappointment, complacency, or prevents you from looking for solutions. Hope sometimes masks issues and creates false expectations or senses of security. Dependence on hope overshadows planning or proactive and pragmatic measures. 

So, this week, hold on to hope and use it as a beacon to brighter days. Hope isn't about ignoring reality; it's about believing in the possibility of better outcomes. Pair hope with practical solutions. Hope can be a strategic tool. Harness it wisely!