Your Daily Dose of Hope

Have you ever said, “I’ll be happy when…”? When the project is done. When you get the promotion. When you lose the weight. When life finally slows down. When I find my true love. That’s the arrival fallacy, the belief that happiness lives in some future moment, waiting for us to finally catch up. But here’s the hard truth: that moment doesn’t arrive the way we imagine. Because once we get there we still haven’t chosen happiness. On top of that our minds often move the finish line and we keep the “I’ll be happy when” mentality going.

To be an advocate is to use your voice, your presence, and your power to stand up for others, especially those who are not being heard. It’s not always loud or public. Sometimes it’s a quiet act of solidarity, a well-timed question in a meeting, or a firm "that’s not okay" when something crosses the line. Advocacy is a hope-builder because it bridges isolation and action. When someone speaks up for us, or walks alongside us in struggle, it reminds us we matter. It tells us we’re not alone. And when we choose to be that person for someone else, we’re actively creating a future that’s more just, more kind, and more connected. Being an advocate doesn’t mean you have all the answers, it means you’re willing to listen, to learn, and to use what you have to make a difference. Hope grows where people show up for each other.

One of the most powerful ways to stay motivated, inspired, and even hopeful is to find your community, people who share your passions, interests, and values. Whether you're into creative writing, programming, gardening, cooking, or starting a business, there’s a group out there that gets it. Listen for the full list or at the episode notes https://yourdailydoseofhope.com/episodes/

Confidence isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about trusting yourself to figure things out, even when the path ahead is uncertain. It’s the quiet inner voice that says, “I can handle this,” even when life throws you curveballs. When you nurture your confidence, you give hope a place to grow. So how do you nurture confidence? Because when you believe in yourself, even a little, hope begins to take root, and that’s where change begins.

This is for the one who keeps everything running. The one others rely on. The one who’s capable, competent, and constantly doing… …and also secretly exhausted. If you’re holding it together for everyone else but barely keeping your own head above water, here are 3 survival strategies that actually help.

Not all fear is about survival. Sometimes it’s the quiet kind. The fear of being seen. Of starting something new. Of reaching out after too much time or too many hard words. This kind of fear doesn’t shout. It whispers things like:What if it doesn’t work? What if I’m not enough? What if I’m too much? If you’re feeling that fear today, here’s what you can do: 🔹 1. Name it. 🔹 2. Break it into the next small step. 🔹 3. Let courage be messy.

Hope doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s something we grow in connection with others. Whether you're navigating a tough time or simply craving more meaningful relationships, having a supportive community can be a lifeline. Here are three powerful ways to build that kind of connection: 🔹 1. Start with Shared Curiosity Join a group, class, or online space centered around something that genuinely interests you—creativity, wellness, activism, books, gardening—anything that sparks your joy or learning. Shared curiosity naturally builds bonds and gives you something positive to look forward to. 🔹 2. Be the One Who Reaches Out Invite someone for coffee. Send the check-in text. Comment meaningfully on someone’s post. Community isn’t just something you find—it’s something you help create. Being intentional about nurturing one-on-one connections can lead to deeper relationships that truly sustain you. 🔹 3. Create a Ritual of Gathering Whether it’s a monthly Zoom chat, a Sunday walk, or a weekly group message to swap highs and lows, small regular rituals can keep people connected. It doesn't have to be big—what matters is consistency and mutual support. ✨ Being part of a hopeful, encouraging community isn’t about having tons of people around—it’s about having the right people who see you, support you, and remind you you’re not alone.

I recently attended a gathering with a group of women I didn’t know, except for the organizer, whom I had only met once before. There were about 12 to 15 of us, all gathered to hear a Ukrainian immigrant share her story about her life before coming to the U.S., her journey here, and what life looks like now. It was honest, moving, and empowering. What struck me most wasn’t just her story, but how engaged and curious everyone was. I found myself nodding along, not just to her words, but to the shared values in the room, curiosity, resilience, empathy, and openness. Despite not knowing anyone, I didn’t feel out of place. And that reminded me: belonging isn’t about familiarity—it’s about connection. It’s about being in a space where you feel seen, heard, and safe to be curious. This reminded me of the Brene Brown quote: True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.”

I was reminded of that today by this quote from Jim Henson: “My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.” It’s simple. Not flashy or grand. Just better. A bit better. That kind of hope doesn’t demand we change everything, but it does invite us to do something: Be a little kinder. Speak up when it’s easier to stay quiet. Listen more. Share more. Care more. Hope doesn’t need a headline. It needs a heartbeat. So today, maybe that “bit better” is offering someone encouragement. Or sharing a meal with a friend or choosing compassion in a conversation. I think about hope a lot, in all kinds of contexts and still I have days when I wonder if any of it makes a difference. But it does. It has to. There’s always a reason NOT to do something, not to help, not to speak up, not to reach out.

In Seth Godin's view, being "hardwired for hope" means that humans have an inherent, biological predisposition to anticipate a positive future and believe in the possibility of improvement, even in challenging circumstances. In his book, This Is Strategy, talks about how it's not just wishful thinking, but a fundamental part of our nature that drives us to act, create, and strive for a better outcome, even when facing uncertainty. He also shares that anecdotes are not data for making decisions, but reminds us that hope is real and sharing that matters. He had more to say on the subject and it's here for you.

This podcast isn’t meant to be about me, but I share from the heart when it feels okay and when I think it’ll be helpful to others. This episode will air on my birthday, so I decided to share a few things that I’m thinking about as I celebrate another year. Birthdays are a mix of celebrating and contemplation after all, and I’m here for both.

A few days ago, a stranger reminded me how powerful a small act of kindness can be. I was walking in the park, and honestly, I was struggling. I’d overheated, was nearly out of water, and had to stop and catch my breath in a bit of shade. That’s when she noticed me, paused her walk, and asked if I was okay. She encouraged me to rest, offered a few kind words, and even gave me a little pep talk: “You’re here. You showed up. That’s something to be proud of.” And you know what? It was exactly what I needed. Her encouragement helped me reset, take a breath, and keep going. I made it back to my car where I had more water waiting. It was a great reminder that people can be wonderful. To the kind stranger at the park: thank you. Your kindness mattered. We’ve heard the sentiment that we don’t really ever know what someone else is dealing with. We’ve all become experts at covering our hurt, masking our pain and pretending all is well, when it isn’t. We don’t have to share our pain or troubles with people who may not care, or can’t be bothered to listen, but we can do that for someone else. I know that I want to be the kind of person who does that for others. Someone who can be kind in the moment. Want to be that person for someone else? Here are 3 easy ways: 1. Offer a kind word or smile—it might be the best part of someone’s day. 2. Pause to check on someone who looks like they’re struggling. You don’t have to fix anything—just showing up matters. 3. Give a genuine compliment. Recognizing someone’s effort can mean more than you realize. May you experience kindness today.

The best way to stay in the present moment is to anchor your attention intentionally—here are some simple, powerful ways to do that: 🔹 1. Use Your Senses 🔹 2. Focus on Your Breath 🔹 3. Name What’s Happening 🔹 4. Do One Thing at a Time 🔹 5. Create a Now Ritual BONUS: A Quick Mantra “I am here. This is now. That is enough.”

I've seen some posts suggesting day drinking to deal with today's news, and I want to offer some suggestions for how to get through today if you don't want to drink, or use drugs. I'm going to suggest these things as someone who hasn't drank or taken drugs in over 9 years. I hope they help. First of all, disclaimer: I'm not a doctor or a therapist. I'm a librarian. If you need professional help, PLEASE SEEK IT. For all of these suggestions, take them as "if you can do this thing, try it." If you can't do it or don't want to, please disregard! Listen for 18 easy ways to feel better, right now.

"The Believer’s Hymn of the Republic" is a poem written by Amanda Gorman for the July 4th celebration at the U.S. Capitol in 2023. It was inspired by Julia Ward Howe’s “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,”

Years ago I heard Zig Ziglar talk about the day before vacation. That’s what today feels like if you’re here in the US. It’s the day before Independence day, July 4 and since it falls on a Friday this year, it’s a long weekend opportunity. So, today feels like the day before vacation. The day I want to get all the things done before the holiday arrives. What if, instead of treating the day before vacation like a productivity sprint, we treated it like the beginning of our break? What if we intentionally slowed down rather than speeding up?

A Season of Becoming As we step into this second half, remember that you're not starting from zero. You're building on a lifetime of experience, growth, and resilience. You're exactly where you need to be, with everything you need to take the next step. Your story is still being written, and today begins a new chapter filled with possibility. Regardless of what has come before, today is yours to shape with intention, hope, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you've made it this far. Here's to the next 184 days of becoming who you're meant to be, one ordinary, extraordinary day at a time

It’s July 1, the first day of the 2nd half of 2025. There's something quietly powerful about this moment, like turning the page to a fresh chapter while still holding the story of everything that came before. The Gift of Looking Back The past six months have been a teacher, whether we realized it or not. Take a moment to sit with what you've experienced. What moments made you laugh? What challenges pushed you to discover strength you didn't know you had? Which relationships deepened, and which dreams began to take shape? This isn't about judging your progress or measuring yourself against an arbitray or impossible standard. It's about recognizing that you've been living, growing, and becoming every single day. The tiny wins count just as much as the loud ones. Maybe you learned to say no with kindness, finally tried that recipe you bookmarked months ago, or simply showed up for yourself when it felt hard to get out of bed. Every experience has created the person you are today. That's worth acknowledging.

You know that feeling? The sudden dread when you’re waiting for test results or when your boss calls an unexpected meeting or maybe when a treasured relationship starts to shift. That knot in your stomach or tightness in your chest? Anxiety shows up when we worry things are going to change. We think if we could just keep everything the same, we’d be safe. The real danger isn’t the change itself; it is the energy we waste worrying about what might or might not happen. The true enemy is our own resistance. When we give in to the fear of the unknown, we trade the opportunity for growth for the false comfort of what I already knew. It’s a recipe for staying stuck. Wishing for what was instead of being curious about what is and what could be. There’s a lot going on in the world today. Changes are happening fast, and it all feels overwhelming. But I’m tired of being scared and worried about what might happen. What IS happening is hard enough to comprehend. In search of answers, I started reading Mindset by Carol Dweck and I found what she calls a "growth mindset."

Hope isn't just a feeling—it's a force that can multiply itself through the choices we make and the actions we take. When we understand how hope creates positive feedback loops, we can intentionally cultivate environments where hope grows stronger with each cycle. What Is a Hope Feedback Loop? A positive feedback loop of hope works like this: hopeful action creates positive outcomes, which reinforce our belief that good things are possible, which motivates more hopeful action. Each cycle builds on the last, creating momentum that becomes easier to continue and harder to break. Starting the Loop: Small Actions, Big Ripples The beauty of hope feedback loops is that they can start small. You don't need to solve major problems or make grand gestures. Sometimes the most powerful loops begin with simple acts: The Thank You Note Loop: Writing genuine appreciation to someone creates connection and acknowledgment. They feel seen and valued, which often inspires them to recognize others. Soon, gratitude becomes a shared practice that lifts everyone involved. The Listening Loop: Really hearing someone's story or struggles without rushing to fix or judge creates profound connection. People who feel truly heard often become better listeners themselves, spreading this rare gift through their relationships. Create Success Stories: Document and share examples of positive change. When people see that transformation is possible—especially in circumstances similar to their own—it becomes easier to believe in their own capacity for change. Every person has the capacity to generate positive feedback loops of hope. The question isn't whether you have enough power or resources—it's whether you're willing to take the first hopeful action, however small, and trust that it can create something larger than itself. What hopeful action could you take today that might inspire someone else to take their own hopeful action tomorrow? What small experiment in possibility are you willing to try? Each step forward creates momentum for more.

When things are uncertain, and the world feels crazy and surreal it’s okay to be happy and joyful and want nice things. Novelist and poet MaryAnne Evans put it this way: We can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them. We can’t give up. I feel lucky that I have days that are full of nice moments when I can feel at ease in the world. It reminds me to be grateful for what I have and to also remember, it’s okay to seek out those moments. We don’t end the suffering of others by imposing suffering on ourselves or denying our own needs. I’m imperfectly working towards staying positive and hopeful and ever mindful that many people in the world don’t have the options I have. It’s why hope matters. It’s why joy and love and kindness are key to ending suffering. Sharing that with others is a tiny step to easing the sadness and suffering not by ignoring it, but buy refusing to give in to it. It is okay to be happy. It’s okay to have hope, to nurture hope. It’s okay to want the best for yourself and the people you love. It’s okay to tune out the news, and the horrible things happening in the world for a few hours or even a few days. It’s okay to be joyful, to laugh out loud, to genuinely enjoy yourself. That’s how we change things. That’s how we turn the tide. Here’s to a happy, hopeful day ahead.

Hope isn't something that simply happens to us—it's something we can actively cultivate and curate. What Does It Mean to Curate Hope? In the same way a museum curator carefully selects, arranges, and preserves pieces that tell a meaningful story, curating hope is the intentional gathering of moments, stories, experiences. It’s the evidence that remind us that positive change is possible, that humans are capable of remarkable things, and that tomorrow might be better than today. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Evidence collection Story seeking Build a Hope Archive Full notes

What if kindness went viral? I know sounds naïve but imagine what would happen if all of us were focused on doing something kind for someone else every day. Tony D. Sampson author and academic who studies culture and media defines viral phenomena as spreadable accumulations of events, objects, and affects that are overall content built up by popular discourses surrounding network culture. In Adam Grant's book "Give and Take," he exemplifies how strategic generosity can build networks, create goodwill, and ultimately benefit both the giver and receiver when he highlighted Adam Rifkin, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Adam popularized the concept of the “five minute” favor” as a powerful network and relationship-building philosophy. The principle is simple: "You should be willing to do something that will take 5 minutes or less for anybody." Grant demonstrates that giving isn't just the nice thing to do, it's often the most effective long-term strategy for building influence, creating innovation, and achieving sustainable success. The book challenges the assumption that nice guys finish last, showing instead that the most generous people often finish first, while also revealing how to give without being taken advantage of. So what if we gave a bit of kindness every day? An introduction, a compliment, a helping had, not because we want something for ourselves but because we want to be part of making the world a better place? Naïve? Maybe. But it might be worth the risk.

In a world that often feels heavy, I believe we each have the power to be someone's light. Hope isn't always a grand gesture—it often shows up in quiet, meaningful ways. Today, I want to share three ways I've learned we can bring hope to others, starting right now. First, be present and really listen. Second, speak encouragement out loud. Third, share your light, even when it feels small. Here's what I've come to understand: bringing hope doesn't require perfection or profound wisdom—it just takes heart. And here's the beautiful thing I've experienced again and again: when I give hope to others, I often receive a little back, too. So I encourage you—look for those moments today. Be someone's light. The world needs more hope, and you have the power to create it.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Economic uncertainty, health scares, relationship upheavals, career transitions—sometimes it feels like the ground beneath our feet is constantly shifting. In these moments, happiness might seem not only elusive but almost inappropriate. How can we find joy when everything feels unstable? The truth is, happiness during difficult times isn't about pretending everything is fine or forcing toxic positivity. It's about cultivating a different relationship with uncertainty itself and discovering sources of joy that aren’t based on our current circumstances. Hear 3 ways to embrace joy, hope and happiness no matter your circumstances.

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life, whether you're making a career change, dealing with a family relationship, deciding on a major purchase or wondering how to manage a health concern. We can't eliminate uncertainty but we can develop better ways to move through it. Here are four powerful questions that can help you find clarity and confidence when the path ahead feels unclear. 1. "What do I actually know for certain?" 2. "What's the worst realistic outcome, and could I handle it?" 3."What information would actually help me decide?" 4. "What would I advise someone else in this situation?"

Ages ago I picked up the book “The Courage to Start” A Guide to Running for Your Life by John Bingham. It’s written to encourage the never-runner or the aspiring runner to get started despite the doubts, fears and insecurities that someone who’s never felt they could be a runner let stop them. The courage to start – is that moment when you finally allow yourself to think, maybe I can do this. Maybe I can be a runner or an artist or a writer or a person who travels the US in a camper with permission to stop anytime you feel like it. Maybe you can – fill in phrase for yourself as you listen.

This is a podcast about hope – not politics so in this episode I’m using the term resistance in this context: it’s how we put positive live affirming energy into the a world where the hate and despair seem to grab all the headlines. Hope and the Work of Resistance Hope isn't passive. It's not just wishful thinking or blind optimism. Hope is a verb. It's something we do—especially when the odds feel stacked against us. And one of the most powerful ways we express that hope is through our work. Whether you're building a business, raising a family, organizing your community, making art, or simply showing up to do your job with integrity that is resistance. Because in a world that often tries to grind us down, choosing to keep going, to keep creating, to keep caring, that’s revolutionary.

Recently I had the chance to meet up with 2 friends that I seldom get to see in person. We are connected by a common belief in the goodness of humanity and a desire to be people who are choosing love over hate and hope over despair. This past week, after hugs and how are you’s one of made the comment about how hard it is to be hopeful these days. The news is depressing, and the direction things seem to be heading isn’t much better. Then one of them shared this quote “I don’t know what to do, but I do know what kind of person I want to be.” She explained that this wasn’t her original quote but something she’d heard Brian McLaren say. It made me see things with a new perspective. No matter what’s happening around us, we can all decide the kind of person we want to be can’t we? Brian McLaren

Some days we just need a quick way to quite the chatter in our heads, or at least change the subject. Today I’m sharing four mantras that can offer gentle hope during difficult times - feel free to use these or create your own. Having some go-to thoughts that support you will always be better than the endless loop we often get stuck listening to. My own mental chatter isn’t usually too terrible, but it’s often boring things like “I need to make a list of ….. or what ever task that I’ve been avoiding. Swapping out those thoughts for one of these always helps me go from distraction and procrastination to focus and action, even if it’s taking a break to clear my head and get some fresh air. A shift of perspective always does me good and I hope it helps you too.

"What you trade your attention for is what your life becomes." James Clear I realize that if you are listening to this, you’ve given a few minutes of your attention to this podcast, and I hope that you find it worth your time – thanks for that. What your trade your attention for – so many times we don’t even realizes that what we’re doing. A half hour scrolling social – is that the attention choice you want your life to reflect? Maybe some days – often we trade our time and attention out of obligation and sheer habit. Doing what we’ve always done. If your life is reflecting back what you want to see, then carry one, but if you’d like to see a shift in some of those things, then think about how you can be curious about your attention choices. Hear 3 ways to shift your attention.

We’ve all said it—“Someday I’ll start the project.” “Someday I’ll focus on my health” “Someday I’ll chase that dream.” But here’s the truth: Today is someday. The future we imagined starts now, not later. Hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s built on intention. It’s what happens when we decide that the things we want are worth showing up for—even in small ways. Every step we take with purpose becomes a quiet act of belief in what’s possible. So if you’ve been waiting for the right time, consider this your invitation. Be intentional with your words. Be deliberate with your energy. Start small, but start today.

In times of struggle, when the world feels heavy or unjust, or if you’re just having one of those days when the easy things feel hard and the hard things feel impossible - creativity becomes more than self-expression—it becomes an act of resistance.

It’s hard to hold on to hope when the images on our screens show military vehicles rolling through our cities, not to protect us, but to intimidate. When peaceful protesters, people simply asking to be heard and seen, are met with force. When the response to unity and justice is tear gas, rubber bullets, and silence from those in power. Hope can feel naive in moments like these. Fragile. Foolish, even. But hope isn’t about pretending things are okay. It’s about refusing to accept that this is the best we can do. It’s recognizing that our neighbors matter, people we don’t know personally deserve the same respect and dignity that we want for ourselves and the people in our lives that we love and cherish. After all, everyone is someone’s son or daughter.

When I started this podcast back in January, I intended to do this as long as it felt good and as long as I enjoyed writing and recording the content. Today is episode 100 and I wanted to share a few insights on how things look now that we’ve been doing this a while. First, let me say that I still like doing this and in some ways it’s easier than ever. I thought I’d run out of things to say but the more I do this, the more hope-related things pop up. So, I’m going to keep sharing and keep publishing as long as it feels easy and joyful to create and as long as you’ll join me and listen in. Thanks for being part of a hope movement. When one person looks for the good in the world it helps them, when 100 people do that – it helps us all and if we can get 1000’s of us – it’ll be a movement that can impact a lot of people. I don’t if that’s where we are going, but I hope so because I believe that there are more kind, well intentioned people in the world and together we can make kindness and hope our superpower.

When everything feels like too much, hope can feel out of reach. But even in the most overwhelming moments, there are small steps we can take to reconnect with possibility and light. Here are four simple ways to tap into hope and optimism when you need it most: 1. Pause and Breathe 2. Focus on One Small Win 3. Borrow Someone Else’s Hope 4. Name What You're Grateful For

I’m working with a small cohort of other business owners to update the brand messaging in our business. We work independently and meet on zoom each week to compare notes and get feedback. It’s a good way to get things done. There’s accountability and deadlines – which really help me keep this as a priority for the 5 or so weeks of this program. Yesterday, we met in person to film some video footage and meeting everyone in real life was really amazing. We already kinda know each other, but talking in person, watching everyone do their “work” on video had a cool energy that you just can’t experience online. One of the participants mentioned how meeting in person made her feel more hopeful about her business and the work she’s doing. And of course that reminded me of what we talk about here. Hope doesn’t thrive in isolation, it grows in connection. When we’re part of a supportive community, we’re reminded that we’re not alone in our struggles or our dreams. We see others navigating challenges and making progress, and it gives us permission to believe that we can too. Hope becomes more than just a feeling—it becomes something we share and reinforce in each other. A strong community offers: • Encouragement when we feel stuck • Celebration when we take a step forward • Perspective when things feel uncertain • Reminders of our own resilience and purpose

Our memories have a powerful way of bringing the past into the present. These episodic memories—those vivid snapshots of experiences—allow us to recall specific details, reflect on what happened, and even reframe how we see those moments. They help shape our choices, our moods, and the way we move through life. While both positive and negative memories leave a lasting impact, it’s often the emotional extremes—our biggest wins and hardest losses—that stand out most clearly. These memories don’t just live in the past. When we revisit them, they can shift how we feel and influence how we act.

Hope has a funny rhythm to it, kind of like time. When you're in the thick of something hard or uncertain, the days can feel endless. You count the hours, waiting for answers, progress, or even just a little bit of relief. Or maybe the days feel long because we rush from one task to another, feeling like we need to be 3 places at once. When the day ends, we wonder if we accomplished anything at all. Hope can feel fragile in those moments—like you're holding your breath, unsure when you’ll get to exhale. It can even feel risky to hope, to hold on to the belief that things can get better and we wonder if it’s worth staying hopeful at all. That’s the thing about hope. It doesn’t always feel strong or bright in the moment. Sometimes it’s quiet, steady, barely noticeable—just like the ticking of a clock. But it’s always moving you forward.

I spent a big chunk of one day this week at the hospital with my mom. Unexpected things happen, like an illness, a missed flight or a cancelled event you’ve been looking forward to. It’s the adult version of a snow day only instead of getting to sleep in and watch TV all day, you have to completely switch your priorities, maybe with very little notice. Here are 5 practical tips for managing an unexpected emergency when it throws your normal priorities off track: 1. Pause and Assess the Situation Before reacting, take a moment to evaluate the urgency and scope of the emergency. Be clear and honest about what needs immediate attention and what can wait for a few hours or a few days. Clarity helps reduce the urge to panic and begin thinking about all the worse case scenarios and instead we can then make smarter decisions. 2. Communicate Clearly and Quickly Let key people (family, clients, coworkers) know what’s going on. A simple message like, “I’ve had an emergency come up today—I'll circle back as soon as I’m able,” buys you time and sets expectations. 3. Reprioritize with Purpose Look at your to-do list and be ruthless. • What must still get done today? • What can be rescheduled? • What can be delegated or dropped or where can you ask someone else to help? 4. Create a “Minimum Viable Day” If you can’t do everything, aim to do the essentials—just enough to keep life or work from unraveling. This might mean only responding to urgent messages, feeding your kids, or showing up to one critical meeting. 5. Give Yourself Grace Emergencies happen. Missing a deadline, canceling a call, or letting laundry pile up isn’t failure—it’s flexibility. Show yourself compassion, and know that you’ll regroup when the dust settles. Unplanned things are going to happen and staying hopeful can happen when you remember that it’s okay not to do all the things, and people in your life will want to help if you let them know what you need.

A hopeful reframe for the inner voice that expects the worst. What If It Does Work Out? A hopeful reframe for the inner voice that expects the worst. That inner voice—the one that jumps to worst-case scenarios, plays out every possible failure, and prepares you for disappointment “just in case”—it thinks it’s protecting you. But more often, it’s holding you back. What if you gave that voice a new script? What if instead of asking, “What if I fail?” you asked, “What if it actually works out?” What if the risk you’re afraid to take opens a new door? What if the thing you’re dreaming about is possible in ways you can’t yet see? What if people show up to support you? What if you’re more capable than you’ve given yourself credit for? What if you’re the person who is meant to bring that crazy idea to life? What if on the way to what’s predictable the most amazing unpredictable happens? Hope isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff, it’s about making space for what’s possible, even if it feels uncertain. It’s about letting yourself believe, even for a moment, that good things could happen. So today, when fear tries to write the ending, interrupt it. Stop the chatter. Clear your thoughts. Ask yourself What if it does work out? And then take a step in that direction. You might be closer than you think. Here’s to a great day today and an even better tomorrow.

Why your presence and potential matter, even when you don’t feel it. There are days when everything feels heavy—when you're tired, uncertain, or just plain stuck. On those days, it’s easy to believe the lie that you don’t matter or that your best days are behind you or that the problems of the world are so big and so complicated that there’s no way what you do can make a difference. I know this well. I feel that way too. But here’s the truth: the future still needs us. You and me and everyone who is listening.

Today we are celebrating small wins and progress over perfection. We live in a world that glorifies big leaps, overnight success, and “all or nothing” mindsets. But real change, the kind that sticks, rarely shows up all at once. It’s built one tiny shift at a time. What if today you aimed to be just 1% better? Not perfect. Not finished. Just a little more patient, a bit more focused, a tiny step closer to the life you want. Hear what 1% might look like for you today. So today, don’t wait for a breakthrough. Celebrate the small win. Lean into the 1% better mindset and let hope grow from there. Because you don’t need a perfect day. Just a hopeful one.

We often think of hope as something we either have or we don’t—like a mood that shows up when life is going well. But what if thought of hope differently? What if we didn’t connect it to how we feel at any given moment? What if we thought about it as something we can build, nurture, and strengthen over time? In today’s Daily Dose of Hope, I’m reframing hope as a practice that lives in our habits, our thoughts, and our small daily choices. Whether it’s the way we talk to ourselves, the way we set goals, or the way we show up for others, hope grows in the doing.

In this episode of Your Daily Dose of Hope, guest host Teresa Cleveland shares a cherished memory with her granddaughter that became a lifelong lesson in hope and imagination. During a quiet afternoon together, Teresa playfully suggested to her then-four-year-old granddaughter that she could "kick the sky" while swinging. What began as a whimsical moment blossomed into a powerful metaphor. As Teresa watched her granddaughter climb onto the swing, pump her legs with determination, and shout with joy, "Grandma, I did it—I really kicked the sky!", the moment solidified two timeless truths: 1. The power of asking “What if?” — Opening the door to possibility can spark hope and courage to try something new. 2. A shift in perspective changes everything — Sometimes, a small change in how we approach familiar routines can lead to pride, excitement, and newfound potential. This story reminds us that even on the toughest days, we can tilt back just a little, ask “what if,” and find the hope we need to keep going.

At first glance, hope and confidence might seem unrelated. But if we look a little closer, you’ll find they’re more deeply connected and together they help us bring our best selves forward. Hope says, “Things can get better.” Confidence says, “I can make things better.” Here’s how they work together: • Hope gives you the vision. Confidence helps you move toward it. • Hope lights the path. Confidence takes the first step. • Hope says it’s possible. Confidence says, “Let’s go.” When you nurture one, the other often grows.

4 Questions to Ask Yourself When You Need to Feel More Hopeful When life feels heavy or uncertain, hope can feel just out of reach. But hope isn’t something we find outside ourselves—it’s something we can find within. One powerful way to do that is by asking the right questions. Here are four thoughtful prompts that can gently shift your perspective and open the door to possibility and hopefulness. 1. What’s something small that went right today? 2. Who believes in me, even when I forget to believe in myself? 3. What’s one thing I’m looking forward to? 4. When have I made it through something hard before? Looking back and reflecting on your strength and resilience reminds you that struggle isn’t the end of your story. It’s often the start of something new. It also gives us confidence because we know we can do it because we’ve done it before. These questions won’t magically fix everything, but they can help crack the door open to light. And sometimes, that’s all hope needs—a way in. Here’s to a great day today and an eve better tomorrow.

We can do hard things. I know that’s a popular phrase and the title of a podcast and book by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle. I first heard that a few years ago from a friend who was dealing with a health challenge and that’s what she told me. She said – we can do hard things. And she was right. What’s baked into that message is hope and resilience. It’s an acknowledgment that life isn’t always perfect, and it reminds us that we can navigate the challenges ahead. I also love that it’s WE as in more than one. We’re not meant to do the hard things in life alone. There’s hope and wisdom in admitting that – even if it’s quietly to ourselves in a difficult moment – and knowing that we’re going to need the help and support of others. I also like the optimism of that statement. It’s an admission that we won’t shy away from pursuing things that are hard, or challenging. It’s an acknowledgement that what’s on the other side of doing something that’s hard – is worth it. Lots of things in life require us to grow, to take the step that’s not guaranteed, or do the thing that feels scary but necessary. In that way, I feel like it’s a mantra. Something we can say over and over as we take a risk, or challenge ourselves to expand and grow. We can do hard things. Yes, we can. Hope can help us get there too. After all, hope is how we look at the difficult thing and know that we have what it takes to go on. It’s hope that lets us look past the obstacle and see the reward instead. I hope that today is an easy day full of fun and joy, but if it’s not, then I send you hope and encouragement and a reminder that it’s not always going to be like this and that good days are ahead. We can do hard things. Here’s to a wonderful day today and an even better tomorrow. We Can Do Hard Things Book We Can Do Hard Things Podcast

Today is a special day. Not because anything extraordinary is happening, but because you’re here. It’s another day that you get to show up and do the things that bring you joy, be with the people that you love and soak up the love they share with you. It’s easy to let days get away from us. It’s not that exciting to celebrate doing laundry or going to work, or any of the other things that make up the day-to-day part of our lives. I think that’s why we HAVE to celebrate the joy in everyday moments – because it’s what makes up a huge part of our lives. Are some days more exciting than others, sure. Can every day be the best day ever? I have been thinking about that question. What makes the day – a best day? Is it where we are, geography? Is it what we’re doing – activity the actions we’re taking? Is it the people we’re with? For me, it’s often a blend of all 3. Being with people I care about is really important, and doing something I enjoy and value is too. Geography maybe less so but being at the beach – for example – is definitely going to make it a best day ever. Even if nothing else of note happens. I want to find ways to make more days feels special, to mark the passing of time with some joy in small moments. Partly because I think we can all use more joy in our lives. It’s one of those things you literally can’t get too much of. I also know that when I can recognize the good things in my life, I can better manage the things that are challenging. Hope is like that too. It’s the way we can find the bright spot in the middle of a day that’s full of things like cleaning the kitchen, and eating leftovers because you just don’t feel like cooking. I hope your day is a joyful one, but even if it’s not, then I hope you can at least take a minute or two , 120 seconds – to find a moment of hope or a little sprinkle of joy for what is.

1. “Rise Up” – Andra Day 2. “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles 3. “Keep Holding On” – Avril Lavigne