To say that the world has been going through uncertain times is an understatement. People everywhere are suffering in some way. You may be one of them.

Life isn’t always the way we want it to be. All we have to do is to glance at the headlines to see that we live in very uncertain times. It’s hard to get through a week without hearing of another mass shooting. There’s always some natural disaster somewhere.

It makes it hard to remain hopeful in times like these. People seem to be more cruel than kind. And even more than your own fears, you may fear what kind of world your children and grandchildren are growing up in.

It’s easy to get caught up in a negative spiral of self-doubt and anxiety. How do you stay hopeful and positive when around you all you see are negative messages and fear? Is it even possible?

It is possible. But it’s not easy. Here are three ways that can help you stay hopeful in these uncertain times. These are certainly not the only ways to stay hopeful, but they will help you start down a more hopeful road.

Be here now.

Focus on the present. If you do, you will find it easier to take a step back and act as an observer. I’m sure you’ve heard it said or even said it yourself that all we have is the present. We cannot change anything in the past. If you have regrets or failures that continue to haunt you, you’ll never find the hope to move forward. By practicing mindfulness that helps you focus on the present, you’ll see you can enjoy the simple things in life, no matter how bad things may seem.

Look for the simple things in your life for which you're grateful. Write them down.

Look for ways to exhibit compassion and empathy

In 2019, Caroline Flack posted on Instagram “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”.  Two months later she committed suicide.

Spreading hope needs to start somewhere. Begin with the one person you can control, yourself. By looking for opportunities to pay it forward through random acts of kindness, you then become the impetus for others to do the same. Your compassionate heart and ability to walk in another’s shoes will be the guide to those around you.

You may never know how much a simple act of kindness means to someone. And even if it doesn’t? You’ll have at least changed one heart – your own.

Do something 

The person without hope becomes stagnant, preferring to hide from the world. If you find that’s the case with yourself, then it’s time to force yourself into action, even if you don’t feel like it.

Get out of the house. Call a friend and suggest an outing or go by yourself. Find a green space somewhere because these places have been found to create calm and contentment in those who spend even a few minutes there.

The goal is to find a positive action and embrace it, whatever that might be. Pick up litter, hug a child, do something that makes you feel good inside, and you will find hope blossoming.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the negativity of the world around you. Only by actively seeking hope will you find it. By practicing these three steps regularly, you’ll find yourself able to look forward to each day, no matter what’s going on around you.

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I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on lifestyle! 

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