The power of Active Hope
HOPE. Hope is a word that we use all the time without even thinking about it. “I hope you’re doing well” is an example. This phrase automatically rolls out of our mouths. But do we really mean it?
I’m suggesting we all take on a more active, thought and heart and soul-connected relationship with this word, “hope.”
For me, hope is defined as “my confidence, my choosing to believe, that the future will be better than the present.” I have this kind of active hope for myself, for my wife, for my family, for my community, for my country, for the environment, and for the world. I choose to be optimistic, and that choice frames my thoughts, behaviors, and worldview.
The opposite of hope is hopelessness. Hopelessness is dark and leads to depression.
Active hope is not luck, but is more tied to confidence, knowing, and belief.
Hope is a virtue of transcendence and a synonym for optimism.
I choose to believe that my future will be better than my present, even though my present is awesome. I live with active hope, even though I know that I will die, and I don’t know when or where or how. I know that when I die, I’ll shift from a physical and spiritual being to being all spirit - with God. It will be awesome. That gives me real hope.
Four years ago today, Kim was diagnosed with ALS and learned that she would soon die. This was, of course, shocking news. But Kim, strong in her faith, soon turned her thoughts to heaven and being with God and the hope of that life. As her husband and caregiver, I saw that kind of hope displayed right in front of me, 24/7. What a gift!
So, we are here now. How do we go forward? One option is with no hope, with pessimism, with negativity, and with darkness.
The other option is with hope – active hope. Having active hope is a developable skill. Acting with hope is powerful, productive, enjoyable, and attracts good stuff into your life.
I choose hope! I encourage you to do the same. With real intentionality, I’m now saying to you, “I hope you have a great day!”
Cheers!