Reflections

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  1. Christina
    Ose
    12 months ago

    I don´t know really. Hope for what? For better days? For being happy again? More so, for others being happy again? For a long time, hope to me was perceived as partly being dependent on what others would do and so giving rise for hope. But often, they do not. So the part to be changed is ones own perspective. Do I offer hope? People say so, when having been deeply listened to, when having been accompanied in their pain, when they feel they have been understood and cared for, when having been inspired to look with the heart´s eye at the beauty instead of leaving the eyes on the ugly and destructive. So when Love in words and deeds shines through, when they can feel and not only think they are part of this all and are held in Love, no matter what, this gives rise for hope I guess. I don´t know if this perspective fills my personal well of hope, but at least it helps to convey light and a more positive perspective to my fellow people.

  2. Robin Ann
    Robin Ann
    12 months ago

    Two thing you are in total control of in your life are your attitude and your efforts. One can hope but what are their actions towards that hope?

    I refill my “personal well” of hope first by having hope and then knowing what things I can and can not change toward that hope .
    I never give up hope : )

  3. Don
    Don Jones
    12 months ago

    I think I operate on a “just-in-time” system. I don’t sense any reserves of my own these days.

  4. Barb C
    Barb C
    12 months ago

    I don’t feel as if my well runs dry. I’m an optimist by nature and every day is a fresh opportunity to do better, be better.

    I immediately thought of this quotation from Jane Goodall:

    “Hope is often misunderstood. People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking: I hope something will happen but I’m not going to do anything about it. This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement.”
    — Jane Goodall, The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times

    Rebecca Solnit’s book Hope in the Dark reminds us of the many ways we have in fact made progress. Another of her books, A Paradise Built in Hell, tells the stories of how people come together in the face of great tragedies and help one another instinctively.

    I believe it was here that someone recently shared a passage from Howard Zinn, The Optimism of Uncertainty, that I copied into my journal.

    “To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based in the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.
    “What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places–and there are so many–where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.
    “And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”

    I always have hope, because I act.

  5. Yram
    Yram
    12 months ago

    Hope is not the only filler for my well-being. I also rely on trust, faith, confidence, elders, and laughter. Maybe all of those are names for hope in the end??

  6. Pilgrim
    Pilgrim
    12 months ago

    I have never actually thought about this, so thank you for the question. To consider that it is up to me to maintain/refill my personal well of hope is a new way of thinking. At this point, I’d say I have a way to go in this. Spending all this time alone brings a bit of a roller coaster on my days. I don’t feel exactly hopeless, thank goodness, But with some of the things that have accumulated within me lately … being kind of lonely because my fall has created some feelings of isolation, and a lens of fear, for instance, does take its toll. But I am going to move my lens to one of hope, and work on that. So thank you for a different perspective, and for always being here! If you know of books or music that may be helpful, I would be grateful. It is a gorgeous day outside my window, the backyard filled with colorful fallen leaves, some busy squirrels and plenty of sunshine, so I can start with that. Blessings, Friends.

    1. Michele
      Michele
      12 months ago

      Giving you a virtual hug 🤗 Pilgrim

    2. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      12 months ago

      Hello Pilgrim, glad the weather and the busy squirrels are out and about for you today.

    3. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol
      12 months ago

      Pilgrim I am currently reading a book by Byron Katie called “Loving What Is.” It is a reminder of how important it is to stay mindful instead of mind-filled. I know in my case, my frame of mind can really go south on me if I don’t check on it often. I also agree that music is very helpful. I find listening to old hymns on you tube very uplifting. Speaking of the fall leaves, when I filled the bird feeder this morning there was a gentle breeze blowing and leaves flying every where. I notice that the bird bath was out of water so I filled it and a few minutes after I re-entered my home, I saw the squirrels drinking and frolicking in the water. It was so much fun to watch!

    4. Barb C
      Barb C
      12 months ago

      I listed some books in my post above. If you like poetry I’d also recommend the various collections edited by James Crews. I’m glad you have a beautiful day to appreciate, and sorry for the feelings of isolation.

      1. Pilgrim
        Pilgrim
        12 months ago

        Thank you so much, Barb!

    5. Emmaleah46781
      Emmaleah
      12 months ago

      Pilgrim, Thank you for your entry. I’m so sorry you’re feeling isolated since your fall. I struggle with loneliness and feelings of isolation myself. I wish I could bring you some cookies and visit. ☺️

      1. Pilgrim
        Pilgrim
        12 months ago

        Thank you, my friend. I will carry that idea and image within to boost my day. Blessings!

  7. Charlie T
    Charlie T
    12 months ago

    My practices help to sustain me
    and keep me on a positive path.
    Also, meeting people who have
    overcome obstacles, gives me a
    sense of hope. Also, seeing nature
    rebound after a fire or some
    environmental devastation, gives
    me a longer view on our place here.

  8. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol
    12 months ago

    A quote I was drawn to in 2021 comes to mind: “To be hopeful means to be uncertain about the future, to be tender toward possibilities, to be dedicated to change all the way down to the bottom of your heart.” Rebecca Solnit

    Today is the day. At my age, I have come to realize that each day I am given is a gift. I definitely want to be tender “toward the possibilities” it offers. Many times my physical pain levels challenge my wish to engage life but I’ve come to the conclusion that if I’m still here, my pain must not be my focus.

    “Life is bristling with thorns and I know no other remedy other than to cultivate one’s garden.” Voltaire

    One of my mentors used to say, “There’s nothing more real than a relationship.” I will add that the most important relationship I have is the relationship I have with myself because it determines the quality and depth of the relationships I have with others.

    What gives me hope? When my mind says “Give up!” I say “Give in…go with the flow!” For me that is hope.

    1. Barb C
      Barb C
      12 months ago

      Ah, another Rebecca Solnit fan. Yes.

    2. Charlie T
      Charlie T
      12 months ago

      Thank you, Carol. Your words are
      a balm. 🙏

    3. Josie
      Josie
      12 months ago

      A fine entry, Carol. The quotes you include fuel my hope. Thank you.

  9. Butterfly
    Butterfly
    12 months ago

    I used to be such a worrier but now I’m in my later years I have realised that worrying doesn’t make any difference to outcomes. I have had so many challenges to deal with and I have felt absolutely desperate at times but here I am still. Learning meditation, realising who/what I really am and learning gratefulness have all raised my happiness levels and well of hope that “All will be well”. I have recently been diagnosed with sight loss so this is the next challenge to deal with. At this moment I can see to type this and I can see to do my daily bird-watching, which I am passionate about. I am in the process of seeing what adaptations will help me and I am grateful that I have time to come to terms with this and it’s not sudden blindness. I am hopeful that it will be a slow decline over many years.

    1. Ngoc Nguyen
      Ngoc Nguyen
      12 months ago

      Your entry is touching to me, Butterfly! So I know how resilient you are. Being visually impaired is absolutely challenging. I wish your sight stays with you for as long as possible. However, remember me, a Grateful Living member whom you have never met. I initially lived with visual impairment. Many regular task guidelines didn’t work for me, so I knew that I had to find my own way to deal with it. If you are using a computer to visit this site, exploring Accessibility in Settings such as magnifier and screen reader could help with navigating a computer. Despite what is happening, don’t let your sight be a barrier between you and your world.

      1. Butterfly
        Butterfly
        12 months ago

        Thank you Ngoc ❤️

    2. Barb C
      Barb C
      12 months ago

      Your cheerfulness and the way you convey how your family loves you and your carers provide good support always cheer me, Butterfly. I’m glad you have them, and glad they have you.

      1. Butterfly
        Butterfly
        12 months ago

        Thank you, Barb, I know how blessed I am 😊

    3. Josie
      Josie
      12 months ago

      Such a hopeful entry, Butterfly. Stay strong!

      1. Butterfly
        Butterfly
        12 months ago

        Thank you, Josie❤️

  10. Patti
    sunnypatti
    12 months ago

    Morning prayer, meditation and affirmations. Also, getting outside, taking in fresh air and looking up at the sun or moon depending on the time of day ☀️

  11. Michele
    Michele
    12 months ago

    By listening to positive morning/evening affirmations each day (or when needed) can be useful to ‘refill your personal well of hope’. There are many on YouTube to choose from – I enjoy Kenneth Soares and Louise Hay among others.
    Thank you to all our Veterans on this Veterans Day.

  12. Mary
    Mary Mantei
    12 months ago

    Look towards the light, in ways that each of you have described. In that sense, each of you are examples of the light I seek daily., here and in my daily round. You make it clear, it is a choice! Now that’s power! And Dear Jimi, you are/were spot on.

  13. D
    Don
    12 months ago

    Maintaining involves being patient, forgiving and never losing sight of the possibility that the situation will improve. Taking brief moments to acknowledge the small improvements that have occurred. Giving thanks to my Lord for the wisdom and courage to achieve these accomplishments.
    At times I find myself running on empty. That is the time I need to step away and find quiet space to recover. Time watching pollinators in the garden or wandering in nature listening to the breeze blow through the trees and grass. This usually works as a temporary recharge.

  14. EJP
    EJP
    12 months ago

    I maintain and constantly refill my well of hope with my faith and gratitude.

  15. Joseph
    Joseph McCann
    12 months ago

    I am not sure I have a “personal well of hope”. I practice being as kind and pleasant as I can towards all other beings. I feel everyone who visits this site and many, many others throughout the world do the same. On the other hand. there also have and it seems always will be, another faction of humans who only want to exercise control and have power over all other beings. This faction historically and currently never seems to run out of supporters. The quote from Jimi Hendrix several days ago sort of sums it up. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” May you all experience some joy and peace today,

    1. S
      Ana Maria
      12 months ago

      Thank you Joseph! How I love the Jimi Hendrix quote, powerful always. I have it in a beautiful card on my mantel and I see it everyday. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for your everyday wisdom.

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