Are you finding hope - even in uncertain times? I am!
Last night I spoke to a group of students, academics and professionals on imposter syndrome and said that PPFs are important. So, what are PPFs? Remembering the past with gratefulness. Savoring the present and living in the here and now and looking towards the future with hope.
I have been writing about what you can do to find hope in such uncertain times and last week I wrote that you should make sure to work from your values and strengths to remain hopeful. Today, the fourth and final blog in the series, I will write about being grateful and staying in the moment as well as other thoughts.
Remember to enjoy every moment, if you can.
Whether it’s a cup of coffee in the morning, a short walk outside, or time spent with loved ones, focusing on small pleasures can shift our mindset toward gratitude and hope. Maybe a gratitude journal or jar would be helpful for you. Write down a few things you’re grateful for each day in a journal - or put them in a jar to look at when you are down. This practice helps remind you of the good around you, even if other parts of life feel unstable. It is AMAZING how this helps! This is also part of your PPFs (see the blog on March 6th - and my talk yesterday).
Of course, being authentic is key and if you cannot enjoy a moment, well that is normal and part of life as a human. We need to be honest, especially with ourselves!
Remember the stories of other people overcoming and their resilience and draw Inspiration from them. A while ago it was the anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s birthday, a truly resilient and successful hero! Her story is worth re-reading (or reading if you haven’t).
Hearing or reading stories of people who have overcome adversity or those who have found purpose in uncertainty can serve as a powerful reminder of your own strength and potential for growth. You can remember their stories and be encouraged.
Maybe you don’t know so many stories, so you may want to either watch documentaries or read books. Whether it’s a biography, a documentary, or an inspiring talk, hearing others’ stories can reinforce your own hope. You can PM me for some ideas if you are at a loss.
Find your role models that fit you and your situation. Look to people in your personal life or in history who embody resilience and perseverance, and, if possible the same values that you have. Their examples can serve as reminders of what’s possible, even in difficult times.
Do it! Just make that first step!
Hope thrives on action. Taking even small steps toward positive change, growth, or learning can help you feel empowered and hopeful about the future.
Here are some ideas:
· Do One Small Thing Daily:
Each day, take one step—no matter how small—towards a goal, whether it’s reading a chapter of a book, reaching out to someone by phone or email, or trying a new activity. Small actions build momentum. And that causes positive energy to flow.
· Create a Vision Board:
Visualization is a powerful way to keep hope alive. Create your own vision board with images or words that reflect your goals, values, and dreams. This can be a tangible reminder of the future you’re working toward. I, again, I can help you with this, if you want to ask.
Remember to trust the process and practice patience with yourself (as you do with others).
Let it “flow” and relax your control a bit.
In uncertain times, it’s natural to crave answers and want to control. But growth and resilience take time. Trusting the process allows you to remain hopeful even when you can’t see immediate results. This includes embracing what you do not know and letting it “be”.
Uncertainty often means that new possibilities are on the horizon. When we learn to embrace the unknown, we open ourselves up to growth and transformation.
THIS IS KEY: Make Space and Allow Time for Reflection!!!
Take time to pause, reflect, and check in with yourself.
This helps you recognize the growth and resilience you’re building along the way, which reinforces hope.
Here are some final thoughts:
Remember to hang in there and hold on to your hope. It is a long-term process and takes time (thinking on the long-term is next week’s topic: sustainability).
Hope isn’t just about you having faith in a specific outcome; it’s about believing in your ability to grow, adapt, and find meaning and even joy along the way. By being grateful for past successes, grounding yourself in the present, connecting with others, and taking small, meaningful actions, you can build hope for a good future even in these uncertain times.
Uncertainty will always be part of life, but with hope, you can move through it with resilience, courage, and the belief that something good lies ahead in your future.
Have a great and wonderful week, full of hope!
Patricia Jehle patricia@jehle-coaching.com
