Finding Hope when Things feel Hopeless
An image of the sun coming out from behind a cloud.
“Hope is a discipline.”
Introduction
Whether things are challenging in your personal life, in the world, or both, many people feel paralyzed by hopelessness.
Hope is not just something that happens to us, or doesn’t. Hope is something we can choose, manifest, and cultivate. That’s how I understand the Mariam Kaba quote, above.
If you are ready to feel hopeful again, it is possible!
This blog post suggests four different avenues to re-connect with hope: Art, Spirituality, Purpose and Activism. Explore and experiment to discover what works for you at this juncture in your life.
Art
Music, art, reading, and writing can be a balm for our souls during times of hopelessness.
One of my all-time favorite poems is Wild Geese by Mary Oliver (this is linked to a YouTube video of her reading it aloud).
Music can also inspire hope. I love this version of Mavis Staples’ song You’re Not Alone with guitar played by Jeff Tweedy (linked to another YouTube video).
Of course, there’s more to art than consuming it! Creating your own art about your feelings can increase feelings of power and purpose.
Spirituality
Many people find hope from their spirituality, religion, or faith. This might mean revisiting a place of worship, prayer, or other spiritual practices.
Not into organized religion? You might look into Paganism and/or Buddhism, both of which can be explored independently through books and online information.
You could also try meditation and/or connecting with nature. The idea is to connect to something bigger and more meaningful - how you do that is up to you.
Purpose
What are your biggest priorities in life?
Which values do you live by?
Who do you want to inspire?
Reflecting on or journaling about these questions can help put things into perspective.
By translating our big ideals into small steps, we can feel reconnected to the bigger picture, as well as our sense of hope.
Activism
Many people experience hopelessness thinking about climate change or the state of American politics, and rightfully so.
Throughout human history, people have survived and thrived in spite of oppression. So when figuring out how to save the world, we don’t have to do it alone, and we don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
We can look back in our history books to figure out how people fought back against atrocities. We can join movements and follow in the footsteps of activists and groups who have a wealth of prior knowledge and experience.
Though our impact may be small as individuals, it can add up to create big changes.
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Conclusion
These are four ways that have helped me and my therapy clients re-connect to hope, but there could be so many more! It’s about finding what fits for you.
I hope (no pun intended) this blog post helps. There is light at the end of the tunnel, even if you don’t see it just yet.
Live in Indiana or Illinois? Looking for a therapist?
