10/26/19

On Hope, Beauty and Happiness

“The ability to feel hopeful would seem to be key to your overall happiness and well-being. When you feel hopeful you feel good things will come your way. Conversely, one of the hallmark features of depression is a feeling of hopelessness about the future.” Susan Krauss Whitborne

If hope is a key to our happiness and well-being, then it seems we would want to ask ourselves what kinds of things we can do to cultivate more hope in our lives.

I know that an absolute staple for me in terms of keeping me hopeful is noticing all that is beautiful in this world. There are so many things that I could be taking for granted this season. Yet, when I turn my focus to finding what is beautiful–my heart becomes more full. (Just take a look out your window or visit your local apple orchard this season!)

Another absolute staple for me in maintaining hope in my life is the ability to dream. I used to keep a dream journal. I would collect inspiring quotes, cut out photos of beautiful landscapes and living spaces, and write about my deepest desires and yearnings. I also kept these dreams secret until I was ready to bring them to fruition so no one would be able to dash my dreams as being unrealistic.

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.” Langston Hughes

Imagination is another tool through which we can begin to dream and have hope in our lives. I believe that every single one of us has the power to imagine something beautiful and wondrous about our world and ourselves. Everything that can be imagined, and dreamed up, can become goals that we can strive to achieve in our lives.

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.” Robert Fulghum

Ask yourself this season:

How can I train my eyes to become conscious of all the beauty that surrounds me?

How can I cultivate hope?

What spaces can I create for my imagination and creativity to emerge?

Do I have a time and place to dedicate to bringing my deepest dreams and desires to fruition?