15 Comments
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Janice Walton's avatar

The opposite of hope is not pessimism but apathy and loss of motivation. It's about thinking there is something I can do and taking action.

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Renée's avatar

Thank you for this! It came right on time for me.

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Nancy A's avatar

Great reminders! A line from a song I often refer to is, "I'm not ready to surrender to the dark." 🕯

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Cali Bird's avatar

In my Buddhist practice we say that hope is something we can generate for ourselves. It takes effort but is worth it for a better state of mind

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Janice Walton's avatar

I think that's true. It does take effort, and it is worth it in the long run.

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Jen Zug's avatar

Thank you, Janice. This really spoke to me today. I'm in a season of transition that had me entertaining thoughts of purposelessness, so this was a good return to the mindset of hope.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Jen, I am considering it an ongoing choice - that was the reminder I got from the quote.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

"We don’t know what will happen today or tomorrow. Even if we think we can imagine the future, it will probably be different." This is the one that speaks to me most. Our imaginations run wild, but we DON'T KNOW. We can't predict. I, like you, Janice, choose hope over despair.

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Janice Walton's avatar

It does seem like a better alternative, doesn't it?🩷

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Kathleen Hobbs's avatar

I'm in the process right now, reading that book,"The Choice". A friend of mine recommended it after I was in a horrendous car accident and suffered PTSD. It has been such a big help.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Oh, Kathleen, I'm so sorry to read about your accident and HOPE you are doing better. Dr. Eger's words certainly made me think twice.

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Kathleen Hobbs's avatar

Yes, Janice I am almost completely healed Physically, that is.

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Janice Walton's avatar

It's interesting—when my husband had emergency surgery, his body healed quickly, but his fragile memory never recovered.

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Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Lovely. While I do choose to be happy there are some days when the depression feels chemical, hormonal and it's tough to convince myself out of it. I will allow it for a few minutes, sometimes hours, but then force myself to do something. It helps.

Thx for this piece.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi, I have found that to be true, as well. If I let it be, often what I think of as being down dissipates.

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