Hope

Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.

Augustine of Hippo

Hope….. well this is something we’ve all had. Depending on the season in our lives, it may be high or it may be low. This past year has really forced us to search for the meaning of HOPE. John Maxwell says that when it comes to hope there are two kinds of people: Low-Hope People and High-Hope People. Those who fall into the low hope category are people who avoid problems, focus on symptoms, feed their fear, get tired or give up. Sound like anyone you know? or maybe even you? Then there are high-hope people. These are the people who engage in problem solving, focus on solutions, feed their faith, get inspired and work harder. Most people would agree that having high hope would be more advantageous to our health, spirit and mind, but it is a struggle for some to maintain that high.

Hope starts with belief: It is a belief that you can and will make a difference. I always tell friends to be a difference maker because the entire world benefits. When you believe you can, you will then move towards action. Hope becomes that spark that ignites change.

Hope identifies goals: When you have hope, you begin to set goals, focus on a direction and move towards all that you desire. How many times have you hoped for something to change in your life and just sit and wait for something to happen? Well, you can keep on sitting because you won’t be moving in any direction. Hope is action. Remember, dreams don’t work unless you do!

Hope exhibits will power: Dale Carnegie said, “Most of the things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. Hopeful people shine in negative situations. Why? Because they have a belief that they can make their world a better place. People who have no or low-hope do nothing or give up; while people who have high hope keep trying even when at times it seems that there is no hope.

Hope finds a pathway to change: Hopeful people find ways to improve their world because they are realistic, they desire a better future and they have the will and energy to take action. I think back on the early days of the pandemic. People were fearful of the virus and hopeful that a vaccine would be developed. Creating a vaccine in under a year is no small feat. Under normal circumstances, making a vaccine could take years to develop because of the complexity of vaccine development. But a group of scientists and world leaders came together to take action and shine in the most challenging time the world has faced.

Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

Nibo Quebin

Remember, Hope has two beautiful daughters: Anger and Courage. Which daughter represents you? I am hoping for Courage.

Hope exhibits will power: Hope requires energy and the will to take action and move towards change. Hopeful people focus on solutions and work hard.