Your Daily Dose of Hope

Some days the motivation just isn’t there. The spark is missing, the energy feels flat, and the work ahead looks heavier than usual. But here’s the truth: success isn’t built on feeling it every day, it’s built on showing up anyway. You don’t have to feel inspired to do meaningful work. You just have to keep going step by step, even on the off days.

We’re taught early on that decisions have “right” and “wrong” answers. That if we just think long enough, research enough, prepare enough, we’ll land on the perfect choice. But life doesn’t actually work like that. Many decisions aren’t about right or wrong—they’re about options. Each one will take you somewhere different, each with its own mix of challenges, surprises, and rewards. I love how Elisabeth Kübler-Ross put it: Learning lessons is a little like reaching maturity. You're not suddenly more happy, wealthy, or powerful, but you understand the world around you better, and you're at peace with yourself. Learning life's lessons is not about making your life perfect, but about seeing life as it was meant to be.

You’ve been thinking about them for weeks. Maybe it’s been years since you last talked. Maybe the last conversation ended in hurt feelings, silence, or something that still feels unfinished. And now you don’t know how to start—because it’s been too long or because you’re not sure if they even want to hear from you. Here’s the truth: there’s no perfect script. There’s just an opening. And the courage to take it. Only you can know what’s right for you. If someone harmed you and separation led to healing, then honor that. For some, the unspoken words of apology and/or forgiveness prevent us from moving on, from forgiving ourselves as well. It’s hopeful to heal. Maybe this can be the first step

Ever notice how sometimes life hands you exactly what you were just thinking about? You’re mulling over a big decision and a podcast episode “randomly” plays that speaks directly to it. You keep seeing the same word, place, or symbol over and over. You bump into someone who has the exact piece of information you’ve been needing. I’ve had this happen now and then – usually I’m thinking about someone I want to connect with our reach out to. In my sales days I would be thinking about a client I hadn’t talked to while and several time, they would call or email that same day or the next day. Maybe it’s not random at all. Maybe it’s you, reminding you. It’s okay to pay attention and be curious about what thoughts could be contributing to your mind’s way of nudging you toward what matters

What do you think of first when you hear self-care? Does a spa-day come to mind? Or maybe you think about time away from the day-to-day. Poet Audre Lorde said “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation” Self-care isn’t about bubble baths and scented candles (though those can be lovely). At its core, self-care is about giving yourself the capacity to keep going, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Especially when life is hard. When we care for ourselves, we are protecting the part of us that still believes in what’s possible. Hope requires energy. It requires clarity. It requires the belief that tomorrow is worth working toward and all of that is nearly impossible to sustain if we’re running on empty. Self-care and hopefulness are intertwined:

With all of our daily deadlines and tasks, it's easy to overlook how deeply meaningful recognition can be. Yet, when someone acknowledges your effort, it does more than boost your mood, it strengthens your engagement, motivation, and loyalty. Start with the people you love. We can never tell them too much or too often how we appreciate their hard work, or their patience, their thoughtfulness when they help or the way they take care of things around the house. Everyone wants to know that they matter. Today’s the day you can do that for someone in your life.

I’ve been checking out lots of info about minimalism as a lifestyle. It appeals to me in many ways, especially making things easier. One of the minimalists whose work I find helpful talks about being clear about the season of life you are in today. Keeping things that don’t fit this season isn’t thrifty or helpful, in fact it’s often the opposite. It keeps us looking back or planning for part of life that isn’t here anymore. Not to mention the work and energy managing and storing what you have, but don’t use. Minimalism isn’t about less for the sake of less. It’s about making room—for what matters, for who you’re becoming

We love milestones. The first of the month. A Monday. A birthday. A new year. They feel like permission slips to start fresh. To try the thing we’ve been putting off. To commit. But here’s the truth: You don’t need a milestone to make a move. You don’t need a reason, or a perfect plan, or the “right” timing. A random Thursday at 3:17 PM works just fine. So does today. So does right now. Change isn’t about the date—it’s about the decision. And that part? That’s always yours to make.

These days, it can feel like having an opinion—any opinion—comes with a warning label. Say something bold, and you’re “controversial.” Say nothing, and you’re “complicit.” So what do we do when we disagree? Because disagreement is inevitable. We’re not all wired the same, raised the same, or shaped by the same experiences. Here’s what I’ve noticed: It’s not the disagreement that causes the damage. It’s how we handle it.

You always have the power to choose the path that opens you up instead of shutting you down. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. So today… when you find yourself at that quiet little crossroads, Choose hope. Choose action. Choose curiosity. Pay attention to the way things shift and change when you do.

Humans are ridiculously adaptable. We can get used to just about anything. The squeaky door that makes you wince every time it opens. The chair that digs into your back. The cluttered space that makes it impossible to focus. The process at work that takes twice as long as it should. We don’t like it. We complain about it. But… we tolerate it. So, what’s one small, annoying, energy-sucking thing you’ve been putting up with simply because you’re used to it? Maybe today’s the day you stop tolerating it.

We were made to create. YOU were made to be creative! Not just consume. Not just scroll. Not just binge. But to make things—with our hands, our minds, our hearts. To write, build, paint, dance, speak, organize, problem-solve, imagine. To express the ideas that lives inside us. When we spend more time consuming than creating, things get out of balance. We feel it as restlessness. Boredom. Frustration. We get overwhelmed, anxious, even numb, not because we’re doing too much, but because we’re doing too little of what we’re wired for. Creation connects us to ourselves. It gives us purpose, agency, energy. It reminds us that we’re more than just an audience, we're participants. You don’t have to be an “artist” to be creative. One of the great things about creating is you don’t have to be good at it to gain the benefits. To truly understand the brain science behind creativity pick up the book Your Brain on Art. For now, just know that it’s not just good for your mood and your soul, it’s good for your brain and body too!

There’s a powerful difference between feeling uncomfortable and being unsafe—and learning to recognize that difference is essential for navigating the world with clarity, courage, and compassion. Uncomfortable means we're stretching, stepping outside of the familiar, or encountering new perspectives. It's the feeling of trying something for the first time, hearing a hard truth, or being challenged to grow. Every now and then, our discomfort comes from being in spaces where we are witness to or we are included in the disparagement or bullying of others. That can be incredibly uncomfortable. Unsafe, on the other hand, is about real harm or threat—whether physical, emotional, or psychological. Unsafe environments leave us exposed, vulnerable, and at risk. And there are many people in the world for whom danger is a daily reality. It’s important not to blur the line between discomfort and danger, especially when advocating for justice, inclusion, or personal growth. So how do we tell the difference?

Trusting yourself doesn’t mean you’ll always get it right. It means you believe in your ability to listen, to learn, and to move forward, even when the path feels unclear. When life is hard, it’s tempting to look outward for answers. But some of the wisest guidance comes from within. That quiet nudge. That gut feeling. That whisper of “this feels right” or “not this.” That’s your intuition, and it’s worth trusting. The more you listen to it, the stronger it becomes. And the more you trust yourself in small decisions, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to take a big leap. We all have it, but in a world full of noise and constant advice, it’s easy to ignore or second-guess it. The key to trusting your intuition is practice.

In a world that feels constantly cluttered—with notifications, obligations, and noise—sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is make space. Literal space. Figurative space. Hope and calm aren’t things we chase down, they’re often what shows up when we stop, breathe, and make room. So if today feels overwhelming, ask yourself: Where can I make just a little more space? You don’t need to fix everything. You just need to start with one open breath, one cleared shelf, one quiet moment. That’s where hope finds you.

I wanted to write about why saying yes isn’t always the best thing but I was having a hard time getting my head around it. It worried me that everyone might not like to say yes so I was not sure if this would be relevant. Then I checked my email and James Clear (of Atomic Habits fame) write this: A philosophy I heard recently and have found useful: "We look for reasons to say yes and only say no when we have to." Reading that helped me hone in on what I want to say about being a yes person.

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

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."

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.

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.