Hope is such an important part of your emotional engine. It drives you to engage with life. It is the way you view your world. A hopeful woman can envision and cope. Having hope is positive and exciting. It is hope that makes you want to bother. Do you have the tools to create hope?

First, I will speak of my background with this emotion, and then I will enlighten you with tools to create hope in your life. I am of the opinion, that hope may be our most important emotion, outside of love. Hope casts away doubt. It keeps us resilient, relevant, and optimistic. Happiness does not make a hopeful woman. Ultimately, hope makes her happy.

Therefore, hopelessness is one’s lack of seeing the possibilities. For some of us, it is momentary. By contrast, for others, it is a constant. As for myself, it is momentary. I am filled with hope.

How to Create Hope: The Origin of Your Hope

“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

The nature of hope is deeply rooted in human nature; the desire for a better future is an inherent part of who we are. The idea that hope can be generated or cultivated, rather than being solely an inherent trait, is central to understanding how we can foster resilience and growth even in difficult times.

Learning to create hope is a skill that goes back to my youth in Kankakee by the Sea. To begin with, my parents empowered me and I grew up feeling secure within my large family. Supportive relationships within my family helped cultivate hope and resilience.

I confess my school days were not always easy. Yet, I found the tools to learn to be hopeful. Hope is often felt most strongly after overcoming adversity or witnessing others succeed.

Ask yourself why you feel the way you do, regarding hope. Reflect on what has happened in your own lives and how you have hoped in the past.

Why are some of us hopeful and others of us not? Is it in our genes? Yes. Is it learned in childhood? Yes. Can a person become hopeful after age 50? Absolutely.

Hope is an emotional and physical feeling of euphoria. A feeling of intense excitement and happiness. Hope fuels your desire to continue anything you set out to do. At times, we must create hope for ourselves. As professor emeritus William Miller notes, hope often arises from realistic expectations and the ability to cultivate a mindset that supports growth despite adversity.

Introduction to Hope

Hope is more than just a fleeting feeling—it is a vital force that shapes our well-being and gives us the strength to move forward, even when life feels uncertain. When we feel hopeful, we are better equipped to handle challenges, manage negative emotions, and look forward to a brighter future. Hope is what allows us to imagine new possibilities, to create hope in our own lives, and to stay hopeful during dark times.

Cultivating hope is essential for our mental health. It helps us bounce back from setbacks, find meaning in our experiences, and maintain a sense of purpose. Developing hope is not about ignoring difficulties, but about believing that positive change is possible and that we have the power to influence our own future. By nurturing hope, we can find hope even in the smallest moments, and use it as a foundation to build a better future for ourselves and those we care about.

As we explore the concept of hope, remember that it is something we can all learn to create and strengthen. Whether you are facing a difficult season or simply want to feel more hopeful every day, understanding the importance of hope can help you cultivate a more resilient, optimistic outlook on life.

HOPE IS A NECESSITY OF HAPPINESS

Years back I had an interview with the CEO of the Sun-Times Network. He was looking for an older woman to write a weekly story for STN that would reach 70 cities across America. Remember, dear readers, 50+ is the new black.

After hiring me as a writer for STN, he said to me, “I want you to have an Instagram account. Also, I want you to do a two-minute ad lib video that we will add to each of your stories. We will send our people over to film.”

My first thought was, “Videos!  I can’t do videos. I have never done videos.” However, my answer was, “How exciting, I would love to!”

Was I more hopeful than scared? Oh, yes! Optimism and a belief in success can help create hope, even when facing new challenges.

On my way home, in the taxi, I thought about my answer.

He wanted videos and I wanted the opportunity to write for STN. Hope inspired me to  answer, “Yes!” I would cope with the unknown. Sometimes, hope can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to more positive outcomes and new opportunities. Writing can also be a powerful tool for cultivating hope and reflecting on positive experiences, helping us to reinforce optimism and look forward to the future.

For those of you, dear readers, that have long spells of feeling hopeless, I have a few suggestions. If you are struggling, talk to trusted friends, family, or professionals—opening up can foster hope and emotional well-being. Try to identify just what brings you hope or happiness, whether it’s a passion, a person, or a small daily joy, and focus on those sources.

UNDERSTANDING HOPELESSNESS

Hopelessness can feel like a heavy cloud settling over your life, making it hard to see a way forward. When you lose hope, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by negative emotions and to believe that positive outcomes are out of reach. This state of mind can leave you feeling powerless, stuck in the present moment, and unable to look forward to a better future. But it’s important to remember: feeling hopeless is not a permanent condition, nor is it a reflection of your worth or strength. If you feel hopeless, there are strategies you can use to cope with despair—such as reaching out for support, practicing self-care, and taking small steps to develop hope even in difficult times.

Many factors can lead people to lack hope. Sometimes, it’s the result of trauma or difficult life events that shake your sense of security. Other times, negative thought patterns—those little voices that say “nothing will ever change”—can keep you trapped in a cycle of despair. And not everyone has a strong support system; when friends or family members aren’t there to lean on, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone in your struggles.

If you find yourself feeling hopeless, know that you are not alone. Even the most hopeful people have moments when they feel lost or overwhelmed. The key is to recognize these feelings as signals—signs that it’s time to pause, reflect, and reach out for support. Some people may feel they have lost hope entirely, but even this state can be changed with intentional practices and support. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, a family member, or a mental health professional, sharing your feelings can be the first step toward building hope again.

Cultivating hope is a process, and it often starts with small, intentional actions. Take a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment—notice something you’re grateful for, or set a tiny, achievable goal. These simple steps can help shift your thought patterns and create space for more hope to grow. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember, developing hope is not about wishful thinking; it’s about making choices that lead to positive change in your own life.

Research shows that maintaining hope can have a profound impact on your well-being, mental health, and even physical health. A hopeful outlook can reduce stress, improve happiness, and help you recover from setbacks. As the assistant professor of psychology, Dr. Smith, wisely said, “Hope is the spark that ignites the flame of possibility.” By choosing to focus on what you can control and taking small steps forward, you can begin to feel more hopeful—even in the darkest times.

It’s also important to recognize that not everyone’s journey with hope looks the same. Be gentle with yourself and others as you navigate these feelings. Offering a supportive, non-judgmental space can make all the difference for someone who feels hopeless. Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares is enough to help a person start building hope again.

For example, if you’re feeling hopeless about your job, try to focus on what you can change—maybe it’s updating your resume, applying for jobs, reaching out to an old friend for advice, or simply taking a break to recharge. Each small step is a way of cultivating hope and moving toward a more positive outcome.

In the words of a co-founder of a non-profit organization, “Hope is the biggest cheerleader we have.” So, even when life feels overwhelming, remember that hope can be rebuilt, one moment at a time. Take a few minutes today to focus on something positive, reach out for support, and remind yourself that a better future is possible. With patience, self-compassion, and the right support, you can find hope again—and help others do the same.

The Power of Hope

The true power of hope lies in its ability to transform our lives from the inside out. Hope is not just wishful thinking—it is a driving force that motivates us to take action, pursue our dreams, and believe in the possibility of positive outcomes. When we feel hopeful, we are more likely to set goals, make plans, and take the steps needed to create the life we want.

Even when we feel overwhelmed by challenges, hope gives us the courage to keep going. It helps us see beyond our current struggles and imagine a better future. By cultivating hope, we can inspire ourselves and those around us to feel more hopeful, to keep moving forward, and to never lose sight of what is possible.

Hope is contagious. When we share our hopeful outlook with others, we help them develop hope and maintain a positive perspective, even in difficult times. This sense of hope can ripple through our families, friendships, and communities, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. By focusing on hope, we not only improve our own lives, but also contribute to the well-being of those around us.

HOW TO CREATE HOPE

— Understand that things can and will go wrong in life

First of all, when building a plan for creating hope, know that things will go wrong. Understand that though things are happening in your life, things are not happening to you. A hopeful person has the ability to feel hope because she can push back through her disappointment. Ultimately, she can turn lemons into lemonade

*—*Manage fear

When you feel trapped, a hopeful person is not nearsighted. She sees multiple options to survive her situation. Putting yourself in new or challenging situations can help build resilience and cultivate hope, even when fear is present. Trauma recovery is closely linked to building resilience and hope, helping individuals live a fuller life after difficult experiences.

— Trust in people

Above all, people need people. A hopeful person has the ability to trust that most people are well-meaning and reliable. Find the middle ground for trust. Your past experiences are your life lessons. Being part of a supportive community and building strong relationships are essential for fostering hope and overcoming feelings of isolation. Meaningful relationships play a crucial role in developing hope and trust, both individually and collectively.

*—*Have purpose

Our brains handle all emotions, including empowerment and purpose. A hopeful person tries to shape her possibilities with her ideals and think about her strengths.

—Have a plan

Next, you must have a plan. If you can imagine exactly how you would like something to be, you can make almost anything happen. Picture it clearly in your mind, and then you must act. Make the choice then create a plan. Following a course of action can help you cultivate hope and stay focused on your goals. Hoping for positive outcomes can motivate you to take action and build resilience in the face of challenges.

*—*Things really do work out — have faith

Ultimately, faith comes from within.  So say ‘yes’ to your opportunities and turn your self-doubt into hope. We all have disappointments. Don’t allow them to defeat you. Let the lesson learned fuel you to create hope. The point of setting clear intentions and managing your thoughts is to help you stay hopeful and resilient, even when challenges arise.

CREATING HOPE REQUIRES POSITIVITY

As a woman who thrives on hope and sees her glass as half full, I can say that hope, outside of love, is my greatest source of nourishment.

Likewise, if you have children or grands that lack the ‘hope gene,’ be their guardian angel. Show them, by your actions, the light. And teach them through your words. Hope can make a real difference in their lives, supporting their motivation and even boosting their academic achievement.

Above all, do something GOOD today. Find hope in your life, or help those around you find their own hope! Hope can inspire positive change in the world, especially during challenging times.

Overcoming Adversity

Adversity is an inevitable part of life, and there are times when we may lose hope or feel overwhelmed by the weight of our struggles. Yet, it is often in these challenging moments that hope becomes most important. Cultivating hope during tough times allows us to develop resilience, cope with negative emotions, and maintain a sense of purpose, even when the path forward is unclear.

Developing hope is not about denying our difficulties, but about choosing to believe in the possibility of positive outcomes. When we focus on the present moment and take small steps toward our goals, we create a sense of hope that can carry us through even the darkest days. A hopeful outlook helps us talk about our feelings, seek support, and find the strength to face difficulties head-on.

Remember, hope does not guarantee immediate success, but it does guarantee that we will keep trying, keep learning, and keep moving forward. By nurturing hope, we can look forward to a better future, find meaning in our experiences, and inspire others to do the same. No matter how overwhelming life may feel, hope gives us the courage to create change, one moment at a time.

Does hope come naturally to you? Please share with me in the comments.

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