Your Daily Dose of Hope

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

Two powerful and very different books that explore the theme of hope are The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. While their styles and settings vary, both offer meaningful reflections on how hope can survive—even flourish—in the face of hardship, loneliness, and change.

Here are five powerful quotes about hope—each offering a unique lens on what it means to hold on, rebuild, or begin again: 1. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu This reminds us that hope doesn’t require perfect conditions—it just requires a glimpse of possibility. Even in our darkest hours, the presence of hope means the light hasn’t disappeared. 2. “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” — Martin Luther Hope is often the silent force behind every action, invention, and movement forward. It’s the belief that what we do matters and that the future can be shaped by our efforts today. 3. “Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.” — Anne Lamott This quote speaks to the courage of showing up when the outcome is uncertain. Hope isn’t passive—it’s persistence. 4. “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” — Christopher Reeve Here, hope is framed as a decision—a turning point. Choosing hope opens the door to potential, even if we don’t know what comes next. 5. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tune without the words—and never stops at all.” — Emily Dickinson A poetic reminder that hope is quiet but constant, nestled deep within us, often singing when we least expect it.

When hope feels lost, it can be hard to see a way forward—but even the smallest step can begin to shift your perspective. Here are three things you can do to begin reclaiming hope: 1. Name what you're feeling—without judgment. 2. Look for a single bright spot. 3. Ask for help or let someone in.

There are 4 fundamental truths about hope that you can always count on. That's today's Daily Dose of Hope.

Hope doesn’t always arrive with trumpets or grand announcements. More often, it shows up quietly—like the first light slipping through the curtains after a long night. You might recognize hope in a deep breath before a difficult conversation. In the moment someone offers kindness without expecting anything in return. In the way a child believes tomorrow will be better, just because. Sometimes hope looks like getting out of bed even when your heart is heavy. Other times, it's daring to dream again after a setback. It's in the laughter you didn’t expect, the idea that won’t leave you alone, or the simple fact that you're still showing up—still trying. Hope is in the decision to ask for help instead of suffering in silence. It's in the way we plant seeds in a garden before the last frost is gone. It's in the quiet choice to try one more time—at healing, at creating, at connecting. Hope isn’t blind optimism. It’s the courage to believe that change is possible, even when you can’t see the full path yet. It’s not about pretending things are perfect—it’s about trusting that better is still within reach. So today, pause for a moment. Look around. You may be more surrounded by hope than you think.

Hope has holes in it’s pockets. It leaves little crumb trails that we, when anxious, can follow it. Hope secret: it doesn’t know the destination it only knows that all roads begin with one foot in front of the other. Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer I love the idea that there are crumb trails of hope don’t you? It’s such a great mental visual that reminds me we find hope when we look for it. There’s always something that will be there for you when you need it, if you are willing to look. The poem also reminds us that hope is an active thing. It often requires action, a metaphorical step forward from where we are towards where we want to be.

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, is celebrated to increase awareness about mental health and wellness, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected by mental illness. It provides a national platform to educate the public, advocate for better policies, and encourage open conversations about mental health. I am not a mental health expert, but I know that hopefulness helps our mental health so I want to share a few things that mental health experts want us to know and be aware of. • Increased Awareness: The month aims to raise public understanding of mental health issues, including their prevalence, impact, and potential for prevention. • Reducing Stigma: By openly discussing mental health, the stigma associated with mental illness is reduced, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. • Promoting Support: Mental Health Awareness Month provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to offer support to those struggling with mental health challenges. • Advocacy for Better Policies: The month serves as a catalyst for advocacy, encouraging policy changes that prioritize mental health care and access. • Celebrating Recovery: Mental Health Awareness Month also recognizes the progress and resilience of individuals who have recovered from mental illness. In the US 1 in 4 of us will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder this year and 50% will have have a mental health disorder in our lifetimes.

I want to talk about recognizing what makes you feel hopeful, in good times, in everyday moments and yes, in those times when you are frustrated or sad or worried. We all know that our thoughts determine our feelings, but many times it feels the other way around. In moments of sadness or distress it can feel like my brain is in a loop of one worrying thought after another. There are legitimately challenging things that happen in life and pretending that things are okay when they aren’t, isn’t helpful or healthy, but neither is catastrophizing and thinking about the worst-case scenario either. I talked the other day about having a list of hopeful things you can turn to, and this is another take on that idea. What’s one thing you can do when you need a bit of hope?

I recently read a book about a midwife from the 18th century who kept a journal and the entries were often 2 or 3 sentences at the end of each day it a shorthand summary style. Example: Cold today. Checked that Dolly’s fever is gone. I was home. And that made me think of modern day bullet journaling. I’ve tried it but it didn’t work for me but now I have a new idea and it could be a great recording of hope. We know it’s a renewable resource – so what if writing once sentence at the end of each day make it easier to be filled with hope? Daily Gratitude’s Growth Moments - Track instances where you stepped outside your comfort zone or overcame a challenge. Future Dreams – Dreaming on a daily basis is a great way to keep looking at what’s possible a key element of hope. Acts of Kindness – You could log those you do for others – imagine what a world it would be if we were all making sure we did one act of kindness every day so our journal wouldn’t be empty. Small Victories – A game-changer if you have to acknowledge one thing each day that you did well. Something Beautiful – just thinking about doing this made me smile. Will I have multiple entries about my cats or the hummingbirds – probably! Summoning Courage – this one I want to think about because my first instinct was to say – I can be courageous everyday – can I? Can you? A Hopeful Moment – this is what these recordings do for me right now – it makes me think about hope, and why and how it keeps showing up. What if you did the same? Even a few minutes each day spent reflecting on the positive can significantly shift your perspective over time. I hope you’ll pick one and start – maybe challenge yourself to try this for 10 days and then see how you feel? Hope, kindness, gratitude, courage – all renewable and never-ending resources for us to use.

I’m sure you are familiar with the concept of your tomorrow self. I use this little trick when I really need to take care of something I’d rather avoid or do something I don’t want to do. Reminding myself that tomorrow Phyllis will be really happy it’s done, is a good way to stop procrastinating and get it done. It’s crazy how I can dread something that ends up not really taking that long. Lots of wasted mental energy there! Recently I was looking through some old journals and planners where I keep notes on clients, things I need to do and general reflections of what’s going on at the time. I flipped through a few and there were notes on things that at the time felt really hard, or were causing me lots of anxiety – and looking back with the gift of reflection I can see that things generally worked out. That’s when the lightbulb moment hit me – What am I obsessing about now that will not be that big a deal to future Phyllis? Maybe not tomorrow me, but me in a couple years or so. Can I see how I might be allowing something to take up more mental anxiety than is necessary?

It’s okay to let go of always and never. Not much in life is that consistent. Sometimes I think our desire to have calm, predictable days and weeks leads us to fight against the always things that don’t show up or to not acknowledge the never things that do. Hope Beyond "Always" and "Never" In a world of uncertainty, we cling to absolutes. "This always happens" or "that never works out." These rigid beliefs offer the illusion of control but often leave us frustrated when reality refuses to conform. Hope operates differently. It doesn't demand guarantees or perfect patterns. Instead, it thrives in the spaces between absolutes—finding possibility where certainty fails. When we embrace hope, we release ourselves from the tyranny of "always" and "never." We understand that today's failure doesn't predict tomorrow's outcome. Hope whispers: "Things change. Patterns break. Exceptions exist." This isn't blind optimism but a clear-eyed acknowledgment that life's complexity defies absolute rules. The friend who "always" cancels might surprise you. The promotion that "never" comes could be around the corner. By trading rigid certainties for hopeful possibilities, we find freedom. We respond to life's unpredictability not with frustration but with curiosity. We remain open to the exceptions that break every rule. In the end, hope doesn't eliminate disappointment—it simply places it within a larger story that hasn't finished unfolding. And in that unfinished space, we find the courage to try again. Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use. Wendell Johnson Here’s to letting hope fill in when things aren’t certain, leaving room for what’s truly possible.

Today I want to do something a bit different. Each day I want to share something that will help you find hope or remain hopeful or possible share hope with someone else. It’s a renewable resource after all and we know it grows the more we share it with others. Today I want to suggest creating your personal hope list. Use your phone or something easy – don’t make this a big project. It’s best if you go with what comes to you right away. Who and what in your life keeps you hopeful or gives you hope? Put it on the list. Be generous, no one else will see this – this is just for you. I’m going to share 3 things from my list, just for inspiration to help you get started.

3 years ago, my younger brother passed away. He’d been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer just 3.5 years earlier. I He never gave up hope. In fact, he packed a ton of living in those years even with 2 surgeries and regular chemo treatments. I miss him of course, and I wish he was still here and also appreciate his enthusiasm for life and his desire to be clear-eyed about what was most important to him. As sad as those hospice days were, they also gave me hope. I’m sharing this because it’s an act of hope to live – to show up and do what makes you happy – to let the people in your life know how much that matter to you – It’s an act of hope to plan for the future, to dream about possibilities It’s an act of hope to care about others, even people you don’t know It’s an act of hope to plant a garden, to publish your writing – to start a new job – to reach out to an old friend – to believe that things will get better Hope is part of remembering what was and planning for what can be. Here’s to a great day full of hope and possibility and an even better tomorrow

I know I’ve talked about this before, but here in Ohio where I live we are finally having some sunny days and temperature that make you want to kick off your boots and go grab your flip flops. And there’s nothing like it. I love it all and try to appreciate it all as well. Life has a seasonality to it too. I’m truly hopeful for what’s next. I hope you are too wherever you are – that you can look back with appreciation for what you’ve accomplished and overcome and look forward with hope for the future.

I once heard someone refer to Dolly Parton as in American treasure and I think that feels right. she's is beloved by people in the country music world and her popularity has exceeded Way Beyond her humble Tennessee upbringing. I consider Dolly an ambassador of Hope because she’s always done things on her terms with thoughtfulness for others. In 2023 she published a beautiful book titled Behind the Seams, that is about all of her costumes and gowns and wigs and all of her clothes that she wore through the years. As a young musician and performer, before she was the famous Dolly Parton she is today, she had the presence of mind to keep the clothes that she wore. Before she was a big star. I find that hopeful. She came from humble beginnings and she talks about this in the book about how why she's always worn big sparkly clothes and high heels and the big wigs she explains that they made her feel beautiful and special. The value of cherishing her clothes for herself it's such an act of hope. She did not know back in the '60s and '70s that she was going to be the Dolly Parton that we all know and love today, or maybe she did! It reminds me that when we're willing to be true to who we know we are, be true to what we know is right for us, what makes us feel good, good things will happen. Behind the Seams photo credit: Alexander Krivitskiy Unsplash

Today I'm reading a post written by someone who made such a great point that hope and happiness are ours to treasure, even if things aren't perfect. 3 minutes of happiness!

Life Experiences That Give Hope • Witnessing unexpected kindness - Those moments when someone goes out of their way to help another without expecting anything in return remind us of the fundamental goodness that exists in humanity, even during challenging times. We also know that our brain releases feel-good chemicals when we show kindness to others, received kindness ourselves and witness the kindness – it’s the ultimate win/win/win. • Recovering from failure or setback - The experience of falling down but finding the strength to get back up proves our resilience and teaches us that difficulties are temporary, not permanent conditions of life. It’s often when we may need to ask for help or acknowledge that we can’t do everything on our own. I want to be the kind of person that people come to when they need support, and I also want to be willing to ask for help when I need it. • Reconnecting with old friends - When relationships survive distance and time, it demonstrates that meaningful connections can endure and even deepen, showing us that some bonds transcend circumstance. Are you good at keeping in touch? That’s something I’d like to do a better job of – my mom was great at this. She kept in touch with letters and cards – and then phone calls with people for year. To this day, she still gets phione calls from a woman who befriended her when they were stationed in Florida in the 60’s. Her friend is in her 90’s and my mom is in her 80’s and they still do that. So much of life feels planned – we have routines and structure and I’m glad for that too – who wants chaos? Not me – a nice surprise now and then – that’s cool. I remind myself and I want to remind you too that you can Be intentional about the kind of day you want to have, the kind of person you want to be. There’s hope in choosing. Here’s to a great day today and an even better tomorrow.

Tom Bodett, author, NPR essayist, and if that doesn’t ring a bell, you may know him as the Motel 6 spokesman has said: “They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” That sounds right to me too. Something to hope for keeps popping up so I decided to share a few things that we might not always connect with being hopeful to remind us that the day-to-day things help us keep hope alive and well. My good friend Teresa Cleveland reminds me that gardening is an expression of hope. Planting seeds, hoping for the right about of sunshine and rain and the right temperatures are all required to get to the blooms or the harvest. If you’ve planted something in the past, or are getting ready to, remember that you are embodying what it means to be hopeful. One of my favorite Dolly Parton songs has lyrics that say “I can see the light of the clear blue morning and everything’s going to be alright, it’s going to be okay.” A new sunrise, a new day, the cycle of life reminds us that nothing stays the same – so if things feel dark now and then, remember it won’t’ always be so. Belonging, be part of communities - organizing to solve problems, choosing to pull together – that’s incredibly hopeful to me. When we do that,we are saying individually and as a group, I believe things can be better and if you’re involved it’s also choosing to be part of the solution. Action always boosts our hope. Lots of life experiences remind us that hope helps. Things like surviving chemo and the day comes when you wake up feeling a little bit better, being the new kid in school – I did this a few times and having someone invite your to sit with them at lunch, getting the promotion you’ve worked hard for and even a setback like not winning a big game but knowing you did your best - lots of things remind us that today can be better than yesterday and tomorrow can be better than today. I hope you’ll find a few of your own version of “something to hope for” - here’s to a great day and an even better tomorrow.

Empathy—our ability to understand and share the feelings of others—serves as a profound bridge between human hearts. It allows us to step outside ourselves and truly see the world through another's eyes. But there's another dimension to empathy that's often overlooked: its intimate relationship with hope. When we practice empathy, we don't just connect with another person's pain or joy; we create the possibility for transformation. This connection forms the foundation for genuine hope—not wishful thinking, but a grounded belief that things can improve through our shared humanity. How Empathy Cultivates Hope True empathy involves more than sympathy. When we empathize, we: 1. Acknowledge another's reality without judgment 2. Create space for authentic expression 3. Recognize our fundamental interconnectedness

When life feels overwhelming, especially when confronted with deeply troubling events or information that seems beyond our control, it's important to find constructive ways to respond while taking care of your own wellbeing. Start with self-care Verify information Constructive action Find community Maintain perspective Remember that even when facing serious challenges, small positive actions matter. Throughout history, positive change has often started with individuals taking modest but meaningful steps in their own communities.

The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact Reading the Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath has me thinking about how to stretch for insight. They explain in the book that sometimes the most powerful moments are what also provide us with the unvarnished insight into ourselves. While I'd like to think I'm self-aware, we all have blind spots and areas where we can't really see ourselves objectively. Think of a moment when you got a personal AHA. Maybe it was when you realized who you wanted to spend your life with. Did it happen in a flash? Maybe it was when you were in college and a class or experience helped you see what you really wanted to do with your life. Insightful moments can also be when we get a scary diagnosis and we realize that we can't spend one more year working 12 hour days to make someone else's dream come true, or maybe you talk to a friend who is dealing with a loss and you know in that moment that you want to be intentional about the time you spend with the people you love.

Would it be nice to have perfect days where everything goes as planned, you're in flow and the effortless achievement yields an impact that's helpful, honorable and kind? A few years ago I attended a seminar with Donald Miller the developer of the Storybrand method and book, along with the book Hero on a Mission among others. Hero on a Mission One of the things that stuck with me beyond the marketing info was the idea of planning for your ideal day, the perfect solution, the best version of your work and yourself. But he didn't stop there. Plan for perfect, while also understanding that it's rarely possible. What's the point? Well, for one, not settling for what we "think" is possible but what we WANT to be possible. For many of us, that's a new way of thinking. We've been taught to be "reasonable" and many of us were taught that wanting "too much" was selfish at best and greedy and sinful at worst. We've all heard the platitude hope for the best, plan for the worst and it feels like a common sense approach and I'm sure it's meant that way but I think plan for perfect, hope for the absolute best and be prepared to adapt as needed works much better. #affiliatelink

It’s been one of those days. Sometimes it feels like whiplash. Something happens and throws me off. In my personal and professional life things are going well. I’m fortunate to own a small business that I enjoy working in and working on. I love my clients and I get to do fun things like this podcast. Personally I am also fortunate. I am married to my best friend and the best husband ever .Kelvin and we work together, pretty well actually, and we are both dealing with the aches that come with getting older (my knee is killing me) but we’re okay. Better than okay. We’re good. And still, I can’t watch the news, I curate the alerts I get to keep from spiraling into rage posting or panicking and saying things like “we should sell the house and move while we still can” and checking to see what condos cost. It reminds me how resilient we really are. Difficulties and hard times are unfortunately going to happen – hopefully not often and hopefully not too severe but none of us avoid challenges in our life. That’s why hope matters so much. It’s the tether that pulls us forward, that reminds us that things can improve. Tomorrow isn’t already written and what we do today matters. If you’re in a good place, I’m happy for you and if you’re having challenges, I so sorry things aren’t going better and to everyone I’m sending hope for a great today and an even better tomorrow.

3 Things You Can Do to Foster Hope for Yourself Hey there! I've been thinking about hope lately and how important it is for our wellbeing. When things get tough, having hope can be that little spark that keeps us going. We know that taking action is one of the best ways to keep hope alive so today I have three simple things you can do to foster hope for yourself when you're feeling a bit lost: