A calming word from you dear ones here as well as consolation and a hug from my friends and loved ones can do. Reading and sharing here does. Meditation can do and gratefulness adds to it. To become aware and be reminded in the beauty that we are not alone brings back peace and light and hope for yourself and others. Thank you for this question.🙏✨
I watched the movie “Shack” on netflix last night. It is intense but it really was impactful to watch. I realize the I have been “stuck” in life and somehow pushed through tough times which is just part of life. I try to be hopeful and positive but I also know I need my support in place. This site and my faith help me. My family support person from my daughter’s program is leaving her position. She is wonderful and I will miss her. Soon I need to reschedule a therapy session. For now we are still waiting to move in our new home so I feel out of sorts, hoping the weather changes soon and the new septic can be done as the earth begins to thaw out in the north east.
I sit still and ask God to quiet my mind and help me remember that I’m in His presence. I do it whether I feel it or not. Eventually, I notice that hope was there all along.
This site and all who post their words. There are many authors that fill me up. I have keep a notebook for years in which I have noted quotes that struck me at the time. I will randomly open it up and that quote is perfect for what I need to hear in the moment.
In 2021 I quoted Sonia Sanchez
I cannot tell the truth about anything unless I confess being a student, growing and learning something new every day.
my heart still leaps up
for red rock cliffs
that rise from the river,
still thrills at the way
spruce trees grow
(how do they do it?)
out of near vertical walls,
their evergreen branches
bearing the silver
weight of snow.
The older I get,
the greater my wonder.
The older I get,
the more grateful I am
to rise into morning.
The older I get,
the more I want
to offer my breath
in praise of what is beautiful,
resilient and strong.
The turmoil is all around us,
and yet there is so much
that finds a way
not just to survive,
but to shine.
We all live together in a home
in which the rooms are
made of song. Fierce
songs of resistance. Wounded
songs that rise like sirens and
drown out every other song, till
once again, we hear the tendrilled
song of opening. Chants
of freedom. Wild song
of belonging. Sweet lullaby
of trust. What moment cannot
be met through song? Even
the greatest heartache, even
the greatest joy, even
the smallest hope knows
itself not only by its melody, but
by who is willing to sing along and
who is courageous enough to listen.
I like the concept of having a well of hope.
I consciously
put myself in places where there is hope,
like this forum,
where generous and open people
tell their own stories of hope . . .
this replenishes my personal well,
which sometimes runs dry,
especially in times of chaos and untruths,
where it is easy to feel betrayed
and left behind.
Being in Nature
also calms me down,
and fills me with peace
and the knowledge that no matter what happens,
all will be well.
Nature reassures me
with his/her steadfastness . . .
and wiser people than I
guide me
and teach me through their writings,
their books,
and expressions of their own observations.
I want to be a good steward of this well,
as one day
it will save my Life. ♥
I’m so pleased
that my post resonated with you,
dear Carol Ann . . .
I find this to be true with me as well.
Your posts touch me too.
I think that’s why we keep coming back.
This place
is of great value
to all of us. ♥
so good, Sparrow! “to consciously put myself in places where there is hope”. this gives me words and clarity and the ability to explain/share choices to others, so that other people may either profit themselves or be of better support for me by better understanding my decisions and actions. Thank you!!!
I remember this.
His Mother would comfort him
when the news was scary by telling him to look for the helpers.
There are always helpers.
I love this! Thanks for the reminder Deann!
Jenifer wrote about faith and hope and for me it’s my faith that refills my hope. Currently I am reading, “All Hope is Found” by Sarah Jake’s Robert’s
In it she writes, “Divine expectation is the belief that you’re not alone and somehow things are going to work out in a way that leaves you better than you were before.” These words describe how faith refills my well of hope. When I am tired and feeling empty I try to stop, breath and listen – sometimes that monkey mind others describe takes over- but if I can truly concentrate on my breath and everything I am grateful for – my faith takes over and hope arises.
Also recently in a podcast interview between Jay Shetty and Tom Hanks Tom focused on “ This too shall pass”. I’ve heard this phrase countless times but listening to Mr. Hanks say it so intelligently simple and matter of fact just made me say to myself- yes, yes it will pass. Now if I could get a ring tone of him saying it ….id be ahead of the game.
I am able to stay in hope when practice self-awareness. For me, that includes spending time with community, practice self-care and spend extra care when I am dysregulated. IF I have more positive than negative is also big for me. When I have multiple challenging things going on it makes everything more challenging. In cases such as that, I reach out to trusted friends and try to bring my life back into balance.
You know, my immediate response is a bit shallow or at least superficial – mainly because yesterday I felt much more “hopeless” than today — and the difference is a bit obvious to me: yesterday I woke up feeling dull and tired and discouraged and fearful. I had stayed up way too late, over eaten rich food, had some alcohol that I know really does not help me feel good, and it was cold and grey and raining yesterday when I woke up, and I spent the day feeling dragged down and blue and dull and worried….. I wondered where my better mood – my hope and good spirit – had gone and I slipped right back in to old sad anxious patterns. After some GOOD REST last night, and back to healthy care for my body yesterday… and yes, possibly the sun coming out this morning, but I think mainly it was the rest and respect that I need to treat my body with anymore – I feel MUCH more “my self” and how I want to feel….. “hopeful” can apply. While the response to this daily reflection can be multifaceted and much more contemplative or spiritual, I think one very simple acknowledgement for myself is to commit to the basics: respect for taking care of my physical body as best I can and the physical need for restorative sleep if it is possible have become paramount. I can commit to that so that the other, deeper growth has a much better chance to manifest. As I say, I feel a bit shallow or superficial, but truly, I want to commit to this and will hope that by sharing here in the community, I can maintain a little more positive awareness that the better practices for the health I have now are a privilege I don’t want to waste. thank you, Community. May we all succeed in practices to maintain and refill that Hope Well! …….and of course, the care for and appreciation of the kind people and many blessings we have in our lives.🙏
Thank you for this question.
I needed to be reminded that I can refill my hope.
From this Gratefulness site I have learned to view hope
as the understanding that since I can’t know the future, anything is possible.
I’ll never know how things will turn out until I try.
So to refill my hope I can read, think about, dream,
and be on the lookout for things that make me curious.
Then I can pursue them in spite of shyness, fear of failure, and fear of the unknown.
In other words, push past my fear and follow my curiosity.
I have been without Hope. I could only see the negative. I expected the worst of people.
What changed me, was small acts of kindness.
People caring for me, that had their own problems and their own horror. This changed my life.
It showed me another way to live.
I could be brave and real to the people around me. Small things.
I try and maintain this by visiting this site, reaching out to friends, meditating, therapy, contemplating, taking my meds, reading, and remembering those moments of crucial kindness.
I also try to be kinder to myself and have a little discipline and structure. It’s not easy. I feel the pull of negativity and darkness.
I’m five years into this experiment. Of being willing.
Of non resistance. Of questioning my motives and investigating my past.
I’m so grateful for my crisis. I’m so grateful for all of this. Thank you all for being part of my process and for sharing so much wisdom. 🙏
Thank you, Charlie, for your honesty, your example, your story. Your words regarding being changed by small acts of kindness inspire me to be more of that person. One can always do one more kindness.
I have been without hope too,
dear Charlie,
and believe
that your great experiment
is working towards the good for you.
I well know the pull of negativity,
which usually visits me
after really positive days or months.
It’s like I feel
like I have to punish myself
for doing well . . .
you inspire me
to keep on
being willing. ♥
Thank you Charlie for being so open.
When someone shares as you have, my heart opens wider,
and I feel ready to risk showing my true self here
and with others in my life.
Thank you again.
♥️
I remember listening to Pema Chodron “ When Things Fall Apart” in my car on the way back from a work event. She mentions the concept of hope and how it often goes hand in hand with fear. Fearing that X may happen, but hoping for the alternative. She goes as far to say it also stems from a sense of lack, feeling like we’re missing something. Then goes on to say it’s better to abandon hope and have faith instead.
Hope = hoping for xyz to happen, wanting a certain outcome to happen, having expectations.
Faith= knowing it’ll be ok, whatever the situation brings, accepting the present circumstances, having no expectations.
I struggle with both concepts, of hope and faith, but I do believe they are both useful in their own way. Reading this question reminded of her work and thought I would share to hear y’all’s insight into this.
Jennifer, you express one of Pema’s teachings so well. She has been one of my respected teachers for decades. It is a teaching of hers, and the Buddhist Way, that I agree with. Being in the present moment and having no expectations requires we trust our ability to manage what comes our way. For me personally, there is a great deal of freedom in having no expectations. A spaciousness that supports openness and creativity, and so much less disappointment in life. It is very freeing for me. I don’t find myself in the space of hope, as expressed in your definition, very often. Sometimes I do, and yet, I tend to not get attached to my hopes. Make it a glorious day, Jennifer.🩷
Interesting. I just read that in the Bible that true hope comes from God. Also, hope is a wish. I guess I do not agree with what she says as far as how I think about it
“Hope = hoping for xyz to happen, wanting a certain outcome to happen, having expectations.
Faith= knowing it’ll be ok, whatever the situation brings, accepting the present circumstances, having no expectations.”
This is brilliant,
dear Jenifer!
I had never thought of it this way . . .
thank you so much for your post. ♥
My insight is that I am a work in progress
and that I can move in the direction of having faith and hope,
but I can only do this one step at a time.
I’ve had my fear and my reasons for it throughout my entire life.
I won’t conquer it over night, and probably never will completely conquer it.
But I can move forward on becoming free hand in hand with others on this site
and others in my life that are on the same path.
Sending my love and peace to you dear Jenifer.
I maintain and refill it by doing the work that my soul needs. My morning practice, my yoga practice, spiritual readings, and seeing all the good around me. Reflecting on life and how far I’ve come helps, too.
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
A calming word from you dear ones here as well as consolation and a hug from my friends and loved ones can do. Reading and sharing here does. Meditation can do and gratefulness adds to it. To become aware and be reminded in the beauty that we are not alone brings back peace and light and hope for yourself and others. Thank you for this question.🙏✨
In risky ways right now…all too dangerous.
I watched the movie “Shack” on netflix last night. It is intense but it really was impactful to watch. I realize the I have been “stuck” in life and somehow pushed through tough times which is just part of life. I try to be hopeful and positive but I also know I need my support in place. This site and my faith help me. My family support person from my daughter’s program is leaving her position. She is wonderful and I will miss her. Soon I need to reschedule a therapy session. For now we are still waiting to move in our new home so I feel out of sorts, hoping the weather changes soon and the new septic can be done as the earth begins to thaw out in the north east.
Is there a time set for moving into your new house, Robin Ann?
Waiting is always hard.
But Spring is coming. ☀️
I sit still and ask God to quiet my mind and help me remember that I’m in His presence. I do it whether I feel it or not. Eventually, I notice that hope was there all along.
Thank you very much. 🙏❤️✨
This site and all who post their words. There are many authors that fill me up. I have keep a notebook for years in which I have noted quotes that struck me at the time. I will randomly open it up and that quote is perfect for what I need to hear in the moment.
In 2021 I quoted Sonia Sanchez
I cannot tell the truth about anything unless I confess being a student, growing and learning something new every day.
Poetry, friendship, nature.
Today’s poem from Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer https://ahundredfallingveils.com/2025/02/19/after-all-this-time/
“After All This Time”
my heart still leaps up
for red rock cliffs
that rise from the river,
still thrills at the way
spruce trees grow
(how do they do it?)
out of near vertical walls,
their evergreen branches
bearing the silver
weight of snow.
The older I get,
the greater my wonder.
The older I get,
the more grateful I am
to rise into morning.
The older I get,
the more I want
to offer my breath
in praise of what is beautiful,
resilient and strong.
The turmoil is all around us,
and yet there is so much
that finds a way
not just to survive,
but to shine.
And yesterday’s https://ahundredfallingveils.com/2025/02/18/the-great-chorus/
‘
“The Great Chorus”
We all live together in a home
in which the rooms are
made of song. Fierce
songs of resistance. Wounded
songs that rise like sirens and
drown out every other song, till
once again, we hear the tendrilled
song of opening. Chants
of freedom. Wild song
of belonging. Sweet lullaby
of trust. What moment cannot
be met through song? Even
the greatest heartache, even
the greatest joy, even
the smallest hope knows
itself not only by its melody, but
by who is willing to sing along and
who is courageous enough to listen.
“What moment cannot be met through song ?”
So true and another truth in life to be grateful for. Thank you, Barb C.
Thanks to you,
dear Barb,
I also subscribe to this web site. ♥
I like the concept of having a well of hope.
I consciously
put myself in places where there is hope,
like this forum,
where generous and open people
tell their own stories of hope . . .
this replenishes my personal well,
which sometimes runs dry,
especially in times of chaos and untruths,
where it is easy to feel betrayed
and left behind.
Being in Nature
also calms me down,
and fills me with peace
and the knowledge that no matter what happens,
all will be well.
Nature reassures me
with his/her steadfastness . . .
and wiser people than I
guide me
and teach me through their writings,
their books,
and expressions of their own observations.
I want to be a good steward of this well,
as one day
it will save my Life. ♥
I’m so pleased
that my post resonated with you,
dear Carol Ann . . .
I find this to be true with me as well.
Your posts touch me too.
I think that’s why we keep coming back.
This place
is of great value
to all of us. ♥
so good, Sparrow! “to consciously put myself in places where there is hope”. this gives me words and clarity and the ability to explain/share choices to others, so that other people may either profit themselves or be of better support for me by better understanding my decisions and actions. Thank you!!!
I wrote that line in my journal, Carol Ann. Thank you Sparrow.
Also as Mr. Rogers said, I “ look for the helpers” this site is full of them.
I remember this.
His Mother would comfort him
when the news was scary by telling him to look for the helpers.
There are always helpers.
I love this! Thanks for the reminder Deann!
I do too,
dear Deann . . .
Fred Rogers
was a gift to the world. ♥
Jenifer wrote about faith and hope and for me it’s my faith that refills my hope. Currently I am reading, “All Hope is Found” by Sarah Jake’s Robert’s
In it she writes, “Divine expectation is the belief that you’re not alone and somehow things are going to work out in a way that leaves you better than you were before.” These words describe how faith refills my well of hope. When I am tired and feeling empty I try to stop, breath and listen – sometimes that monkey mind others describe takes over- but if I can truly concentrate on my breath and everything I am grateful for – my faith takes over and hope arises.
Also recently in a podcast interview between Jay Shetty and Tom Hanks Tom focused on “ This too shall pass”. I’ve heard this phrase countless times but listening to Mr. Hanks say it so intelligently simple and matter of fact just made me say to myself- yes, yes it will pass. Now if I could get a ring tone of him saying it ….id be ahead of the game.
I need to look for that podcast. I love Tom Hanks
i found it- was great. So was his movie
I am able to stay in hope when practice self-awareness. For me, that includes spending time with community, practice self-care and spend extra care when I am dysregulated. IF I have more positive than negative is also big for me. When I have multiple challenging things going on it makes everything more challenging. In cases such as that, I reach out to trusted friends and try to bring my life back into balance.
You know, my immediate response is a bit shallow or at least superficial – mainly because yesterday I felt much more “hopeless” than today — and the difference is a bit obvious to me: yesterday I woke up feeling dull and tired and discouraged and fearful. I had stayed up way too late, over eaten rich food, had some alcohol that I know really does not help me feel good, and it was cold and grey and raining yesterday when I woke up, and I spent the day feeling dragged down and blue and dull and worried….. I wondered where my better mood – my hope and good spirit – had gone and I slipped right back in to old sad anxious patterns. After some GOOD REST last night, and back to healthy care for my body yesterday… and yes, possibly the sun coming out this morning, but I think mainly it was the rest and respect that I need to treat my body with anymore – I feel MUCH more “my self” and how I want to feel….. “hopeful” can apply. While the response to this daily reflection can be multifaceted and much more contemplative or spiritual, I think one very simple acknowledgement for myself is to commit to the basics: respect for taking care of my physical body as best I can and the physical need for restorative sleep if it is possible have become paramount. I can commit to that so that the other, deeper growth has a much better chance to manifest. As I say, I feel a bit shallow or superficial, but truly, I want to commit to this and will hope that by sharing here in the community, I can maintain a little more positive awareness that the better practices for the health I have now are a privilege I don’t want to waste. thank you, Community. May we all succeed in practices to maintain and refill that Hope Well! …….and of course, the care for and appreciation of the kind people and many blessings we have in our lives.🙏
Thank you for this question.
I needed to be reminded that I can refill my hope.
From this Gratefulness site I have learned to view hope
as the understanding that since I can’t know the future, anything is possible.
I’ll never know how things will turn out until I try.
So to refill my hope I can read, think about, dream,
and be on the lookout for things that make me curious.
Then I can pursue them in spite of shyness, fear of failure, and fear of the unknown.
In other words, push past my fear and follow my curiosity.
I have been without Hope. I could only see the negative. I expected the worst of people.
What changed me, was small acts of kindness.
People caring for me, that had their own problems and their own horror. This changed my life.
It showed me another way to live.
I could be brave and real to the people around me. Small things.
I try and maintain this by visiting this site, reaching out to friends, meditating, therapy, contemplating, taking my meds, reading, and remembering those moments of crucial kindness.
I also try to be kinder to myself and have a little discipline and structure. It’s not easy. I feel the pull of negativity and darkness.
I’m five years into this experiment. Of being willing.
Of non resistance. Of questioning my motives and investigating my past.
I’m so grateful for my crisis. I’m so grateful for all of this. Thank you all for being part of my process and for sharing so much wisdom. 🙏
Thank you Charlie – I can also relate to being without Hope at times. I am grateful for you and this Community.
Thank you, Charlie, for your honesty, your example, your story. Your words regarding being changed by small acts of kindness inspire me to be more of that person. One can always do one more kindness.
I have been without hope too,
dear Charlie,
and believe
that your great experiment
is working towards the good for you.
I well know the pull of negativity,
which usually visits me
after really positive days or months.
It’s like I feel
like I have to punish myself
for doing well . . .
you inspire me
to keep on
being willing. ♥
And I am grateful for you Charlie.
thank you, Charlie. I feel respect, appreciation, admiration, concern, inspiration….. and hope…. upon reading this from you. thank you so much.
Thank you Charlie for being so open.
When someone shares as you have, my heart opens wider,
and I feel ready to risk showing my true self here
and with others in my life.
Thank you again.
♥️
I remember listening to Pema Chodron “ When Things Fall Apart” in my car on the way back from a work event. She mentions the concept of hope and how it often goes hand in hand with fear. Fearing that X may happen, but hoping for the alternative. She goes as far to say it also stems from a sense of lack, feeling like we’re missing something. Then goes on to say it’s better to abandon hope and have faith instead.
Hope = hoping for xyz to happen, wanting a certain outcome to happen, having expectations.
Faith= knowing it’ll be ok, whatever the situation brings, accepting the present circumstances, having no expectations.
I struggle with both concepts, of hope and faith, but I do believe they are both useful in their own way. Reading this question reminded of her work and thought I would share to hear y’all’s insight into this.
Jennifer, you express one of Pema’s teachings so well. She has been one of my respected teachers for decades. It is a teaching of hers, and the Buddhist Way, that I agree with. Being in the present moment and having no expectations requires we trust our ability to manage what comes our way. For me personally, there is a great deal of freedom in having no expectations. A spaciousness that supports openness and creativity, and so much less disappointment in life. It is very freeing for me. I don’t find myself in the space of hope, as expressed in your definition, very often. Sometimes I do, and yet, I tend to not get attached to my hopes. Make it a glorious day, Jennifer.🩷
Interesting. I just read that in the Bible that true hope comes from God. Also, hope is a wish. I guess I do not agree with what she says as far as how I think about it
“Hope = hoping for xyz to happen, wanting a certain outcome to happen, having expectations.
Faith= knowing it’ll be ok, whatever the situation brings, accepting the present circumstances, having no expectations.”
This is brilliant,
dear Jenifer!
I had never thought of it this way . . .
thank you so much for your post. ♥
My insight is that I am a work in progress
and that I can move in the direction of having faith and hope,
but I can only do this one step at a time.
I’ve had my fear and my reasons for it throughout my entire life.
I won’t conquer it over night, and probably never will completely conquer it.
But I can move forward on becoming free hand in hand with others on this site
and others in my life that are on the same path.
Sending my love and peace to you dear Jenifer.
I maintain and refill it by doing the work that my soul needs. My morning practice, my yoga practice, spiritual readings, and seeing all the good around me. Reflecting on life and how far I’ve come helps, too.
Yes!