One of the things which can happen in our lives on different occasions is that we sometimes have to contend with trials or tribulations that were unexpected. Think about the instances when someone has an injury or suffers the loss of a loved one, we are then thrown into a tailspin as we try to pick up the pieces, after assessing where we are and how we will move forward. We see it happen more often than not, when you take a glimpse at the news and you realize a sudden tragedy has occurred as folks try to navigate not only their fragile emotions, along with making sense of something that was not planned and caused much pain. I for one try not looking at the news at the end of the evening, just so that I don't have those last images or messages in my head before going to sleep. If you follow any type of social media, one is already bombarded with all of these stories and breaking news events throughout the day. Hence, I save the recorded news casts to watch at my time intervals, so that I have a better sense of managing all that goes on around me. However, the item that I wanted to focus on in this column was on how to not lose hope and keep it alive despite the circumstances you may find yourself in. One of the definitions of hope that I found indicates the following; to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true. When you look at examples of people around the world who were champions of this emotion, one can point to folks who were steadfast in their belief that their circumstance would ultimately change or they sought the silver lining in the storm that they were part of. You also have many folks whose anchor of emotion is tied to their faith as they see it going hand-in-hand. When I am most amazed by some great examples of hope, it is when you hear a person fully resigned to the fact that they will be seeking the positive which can come after having survived a monumental tragedy. Think about the folks that may have exemplified this in your life. For me I have lots of great examples in the people who formed me, such as my own grandmother and mother. They at different periods in their life faced many difficult obstacles that would have deflated anyone or would have caused a prolonged lack of hope. However, what they showed the world and myself was that we need to have a spirit of perseverance, despite how low you may feel. Although life can knock anyone down, I was given the example that I should never simply give up on anything that I believe in. I am sure many of you in your own families have countless similar examples and the legacy of strength which was passed on to you to learn from was to keep that flame of hope alive for others to see. Hence, the examples are usually all around us, if we pay enough attention. Those heroes who may not have sought attention and preferred to do things quietly, are perfect illustrations of the shining lights which continue to illuminate our path. We must always remember that dark periods are not permanent and by keeping hope alive, you will be able to get through these and other challenging periods of your life. Remind yourself of your personal family heroes or perhaps your immediate circle of support who have inspired you through their resilient actions. I am sure that by looking at this list of folks periodically, it can help motivate and remind you of the ability to survive and anticipate your personal clearing ahead. Cheers to hope and for you to keep it alive among your loved ones, as all of us need it as part of our ongoing journey. The smallest amount of it in you will continue to blossom like a planted flower and eventually you will experience the beauty which comes from having this flourishing trait in all circumstances.
