If you’ve lost some hope this year, you’re not alone.
Across North America and around the world, the difficult news keeps coming. I think we’ve been carrying the weight for so long that we’ve stopped noticing how heavy it’s become.
Perhaps you’re snapping at family, feeling impatient at work, or finding everyday tasks harder than before.
I’m noticing something similar in my client work: people want to move forward, but uncertainty makes the next step feel frightening.
It seems like all we hear is bad news, but there’s lots of good things going on too – we just have to make a point to notice them more.
What might help?
- Make the future smaller.
You don’t have to figure out the whole year. Ask yourself: “What’s one small step I can take this week toward something that matters to me?” - Notice what’s still possible.
Make room for the hard things, and also notice a kindness, a small win, or a challenge you’ve navigated before. These count, too. Again, there’s lots of positives out there – make a special effort to look for them. - Let someone walk beside you.
Talk honestly with someone you trust. Connection can help us find perspective and possibilities we struggle to see alone.
You don’t have to force yourself to feel hopeful before taking a step. Sometimes, hope grows as we move.
What’s one small thing you’re looking forward to – or could give yourself to look forward to, this week?