How to Re-Engage Hope

We’ve all been there before. Those moments when your heart gets too clouded with worry or disappointment, and you suddenly feel so done with everything. Here’s some good news – When you reach rock bottom, it’s only uphill from here. It’s that birth of an inner revolution, no matter how small, that helps us break through our fear barriers and learn to soar above them. And it always begins with hope.

Tough times don’t define you. You will fly again.

Prolonged and/or recurring cycles of stress are very draining on a human soul, whether you’ve been drowning in work or caught up in a toxic relationship. We were never meant to live that way. If you’ve accepted it as a lifestyle, dream bigger and do not settle. You might have forgotten how to fly for a while there but here is a reminder that you can always hit the ‘refresh button’ and reclaim your freedom.

Don’t gloss over your feelings. And don’t dramatize them, either.

Ignoring and suppressing feelings has always been known to be a lazy, non-helpful move, no matter the circumstances. The sooner you face your emotions, the sooner you can overcome your obstacles. But hear me when I say – Your feelings should never dictate your choices. After acknowledging them, you get to choose whether they stay or leave. For example, you deal with anger and bitterness but you don’t emphasize them or give them any authority to control your day or your future. You realize the need to let them go. On the other hand, if you’re feeling hopeful, you want to make room for that and nurture this feeling because it’s healthy and good for your soul.

Bouncing back is a process.

Getting back to your normal healthy self is rarely something that happens instantly. Most of the time, it’s a day-by-day process. More than anything, this is the time to be patient with yourself as you learn to get back on your feet.

Find your purpose.

We hear this a lot. It’s become a cliche at this point. So let’s replace it with – Remember who you are and what you stand for. It’s easy to lose your sense of self when you’ve been under the current for a long time. To bounce back, you need to remind yourself of the truth of what you believe. It will reinforce, nourish and grow your seed of hope.

After hope, joy will follow.

Hope and joy are two peas in a pod. The more you become hopeful about your life and your future, the more joyful you will become in your day to day. It’s simple, basic science. After joy, gratitude will follow. And gratitude will always get you where you need to go.