It’s Thursday night. It’s been a long week of doctor’s appointments and symptoms. As I sit here the night before my brain MRI I can’t help but feel so many things. Having hope, yet lacking hope at the same time. As I sit here processing all the feelings, I thought I’d take the opportunity to share how to remain hopeful when it feels like there is no hope.
It’s human to lose hope
One of my main goals with Whispering in Wonderland is to empower and inspire others to go after the life they were made to live. At the same time, I understand how life can get in the way. I also understand how it’s easy to lose hope when this happens.
It’s human to lose hope. It’s human to feel very real and raw things that aren’t always positive. Let’s allow ourselves some grace and remember that.
I believe we are a population with more anxiety today because we avoided feelings and bad thoughts as much as possible in the past. I too am guilty of this.
I identify most with a Seven on the Enneagram. While there are many great traits to a Seven, they are also known for avoiding feelings and anything painful at all costs.
I did this for years until it became too much to NOT handle. I learned through therapy that it’s healthy to feel and process emotions all over the spectrum, not just positive. And as humans, it’s natural to lose hope at times.
So how do you remain hopeful when it feels like there is no hope?
I know it sounds tough, but I promise you can do it. Here are some ways to remain hopeful:
1. Revisit your anchors
Your anchors are the key people and things in your life that keep you grounded. They’re your reason why you do what you do and make every decision based off of.
Revisiting and spending time with your anchors reinforces stability and hope on all sorts of levels.
When I feel like I’m losing hope I revisit my anchors, which are my family, faith and health. They help me process and run through scenarios which never end up as bad as my mind makes up.
Everyone needs and has anchors in their life, it’s important to revisit anytime you’re in need.
2. Take a break of social media and the news
This one goes without saying but it’s so much easier said than done. We are wired to want to consume news and social media content regularly. They can both be like an addiction.
If it’s social media – comparing yourself to someone else’s highlight reel is only going to make matters worse for you. If it’s the news, well…It’s definitely easy to lose hope there.
I can tell when my mind needs a break from either. I find other things that don’t involve screen time such as coloring, meditating or reading a book. I’m currently reading You Turn by Ashley Stahl and she’s glorious!
3. Practice gratitude
Ahhh yes, one of my favorites! I’m a silver linings kinds of girl so finding the good in everything comes naturally for me. Yes, the situation may suck, but there is always an up side.
Take time every morning to write down five things you are grateful for. They can be big or small, don’t put too much pressure on yourself!
Here are some of my past items:
- A warm cup of coffee
- Morning sunshine
- A good book
- A restful night of sleep
- My family
You get the idea. Simply write each item down every morning to start your day off right. Hope will come flooding in.
Summary – How to remain hopeful
I know it can be tough to remain hopeful when it feels like there is no hope, but remember – nothing is permanent, everything is temporary.
If you’re looking for a friend, reach out to me.
