Hope works in these ways: it looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst; it discovers what can be done instead of grumbling about what cannot; it regards problems, large or small, as opportunities; it pushes ahead when it would be easy to quit; it “lights the candle” -instead of “cursing the darkness.”
Don’t be afraid to dare to dream. But it may be wise to balance your dream with realism. For example, if you are a talented writer and a horrible singer, it doesn’t mean you cannot learn how to sing. But if you worked on the talent you already have, you may develop into a great writer. Whereas if you focus on singing, you may become a mediocre singer at best.
- Living with hope is not about living with vapid wishes. Rather it is living with confidence in the future because one is already doing everything possible to make success a likely outcome.
- Be hopeful, but don’t be unprepared for a temporary defeat. That is, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” (English Proverb) And “Hope for a miracle, but don’t depend on one.” (The Talmud)
- Do you remember the pain you suffered in the past that you now look back on as “the good old days”? Hope is remembering that all problems pass. In other words, it is the recognition that all ‘failures’ are temporary setbacks and patience is called for.
