How To Cultivate Hope in Darker Times

Sometimes life can throw us a curve ball, sometimes the weather is just too depressing, sometimes the news can really get us down.  And sometimes we are just feeling low for reasons we don’t even know.  How do we cultivate hope when we feel like that is a feat, or an impossibility?  How do we look on the bright side when everything we see looks bleak?  Sometimes it feels like it is all too much.

Having a sense of hopelessness is one of the most challenging emotions to manage. It can downward spiral, sometimes quickly, a tailspin that can feel out of control.  But leaving it unchecked is what many of us do.  We can tell ourselves all sorts of things when we believe there is no hope and no way for things to improve.

Finding hope when it seems like there’s none is difficult, but it is possible.  We must remember that no matter how hopeless things may seem, there’s always a chance for things to improve. Even if it doesn’t seem like it at this very moment, things can (and will) change.  In fact, the only thing we can hold for certain, is that things are in continuous change and flux.

We are human, and meeting with challenges is an inevitability.  But what if we feel like we will never see the end of a long tunnel of struggle? Persistence is key, even if it simply turning on a podcast or meditation that soothes the soul.

When you’re feeling down, try these strategies to help bring back hope:

Remember That All of Your Accomplishments Began with a First Step.  Baby Steps. 

We’ve all had to start with baby steps.  None of us were born walking.  As babies we knew that in time, we would be able to do the things we saw the others around us doing.

• Think for a minute about learning how to walk. It doesn’t seem very miraculous; nearly everyone learns to do it. But consider how difficult it really is.
• Babies start out making unintelligible sounds. In a couple of years they can say a few things, though not very well. In a few more years, they can say a fair amount – though still struggle with pronunciation.
• So regardless of what you’re facing right now, remember your earlier miracles. You’re entirely capable of working through challenges; you are designed for it. The seemingly impossible is, in fact, possible.

Soak Up Some Optimism Wherever You Can.

I’m not talking about false positivity here, the kind where people are determined to wear rose tinted glasses no matter the reality, and potentially to their detriment.  I’m talking about those that seem able to see the reality of the situation, be with it for what it is, and still strive to see the bright side.

• Seek out these people and spend time with them. Their optimism will soon start to rub off on you. Although your first reaction might be to be annoyed by their eternal bright side, fight through it and listen. Talk to them about your challenges; they may have a perspective that can really give you a push in the right direction.

Brainstorm the Activities That Will Spark Your Creativity and Inspiration. 

Sometimes it’s helpful to think back to when you were a kid – what did you enjoy doing then? Were you into sports, art, cooking? Making time for activities that bring you joy and inspiration is an important part of not just finding happiness and hope, but also maintaining it.

• Simple joys, like watching your children play on the playground, getting up early to see the sunrise, going for a walk outdoors, might bring you the spark you seek.
• Try reading books that chronicle the triumphs of others. Inspiring memoirs and biographies can give you hope, and may also give you ideas of how to change your thoughts so that your daily focus becomes more positive.

Get Out into Your Community, Try Some Volunteering.

Volunteering can show you that things aren’t quite as challenging as you originally thought. Animal shelters and food banks are also great places to give back. Sometimes, communicating and working with others can give us the simple reminder that we are not alone.  Volunteering for causes that are close to our hearts can give us a sense of purpose, which is incredibly healing in so many ways.

[bctt tweet=”Sometimes when you observe firsthand how difficult things can be, you develop a different perspective about your own situation.” username=”dancingdevas”]

Get Yourself Out into Nature as Much as Possible.

The natural world is incredibly healing.  Beauty and miracles are found in flowers, waterfalls and rivers, butterflies and spider webs.  Fresh perspectives can be found when we get ourselves outside with the purpose of simply enjoying it. 

[bctt tweet=”Take yourself outdoors as often as you can. Go for a walk, a hike, or simply just sit still and observe. Recognizing that you’re a part of all of this world’s miracles can remind you that you have a purpose here to serve.” username=”dancingdevas”]

Take Some Deep Breaths, and Find Your Courage.

Cultivating hope requires courage to take that first step forward. Take your time, and breathe through your resistance.  Remember that you have the ability to make it through to the other side of your challenges.

[bctt tweet=”Fnding long-term hope and happiness isn’t a one-day process. Accept that you will have good days and bad days, but, no matter what, keep moving forward.” username=”dancingdevas”]

Hope is always available to you. If you want to find hope in your life, know that you always can!  Be diligent, and you’ll discover that you have plenty of reasons to be hopeful.

Remember too, that if you feel it necessary, there are plenty of counsellors and therapists willing to help.  There are always ways through our challenges.