by Dana Rubin‑Winkelman MSW, CAPSW, Social Worker, Adult Day Services
I hope you and your family are well. I am thinking of you and sending my positive thoughts. I hope to bridge the distance through this electronic connection.
Lately, I have been flooded with emotions, and I know I am not alone. We are living through extremely challenging times, and most of us have many feelings. It is easy to “doomscroll” on social media or to worry about a multitude of issues. How does a person stay grounded when the world feels upside down?!
Obviously, there is not an easy answer, and I am certainly not the wizard. However, there are things we can do. Positive coping strategies that focus on hope and kindness have the potential to help ourselves and each other. Friends, I promise this is not hocus-pocus. On the contrary, there is a body of research that supports this philosophy. Today, I will use pieces of Hope Therapy (yes, this is a thing) as an antidote to our chaotic world.
“Hope isn’t a denial of what is, but a belief that the current situation is not all that can be. You can recognize that something’s wrong, but also that it’s not the end of the story.” (Thema Bryant, PhD, American Psychological Association’s Past President)
Throughout this article, I share some inspiration, touching quotes, hopeful strategies, and positive music. Please click on the websites; they are short and (I hope!) will nourish your soul. Are you looking to strengthen your emotional health and feel more grounded and connected? Great! Let’s use hope to channel our inner strength and repair our world/Tikkun Olam. This will take thought and intention, but it will be worth it. I promise.
“Don’t lose hope. You never know what tomorrow will bring.” (author unknown)
STAYING GROUNDED- FEELING AND SPREADING HOPE
1. Search for Models of Hope and Inspiration
When I see injustice in our world and sadness creeps in, I look toward examples of hope and strength. Thankfully, we are blessed with many inspirational models that have demonstrated grace while overcoming difficulties. Today, I share the incredible memory of civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis (of blessed memory). Congressman Lewis was dedicated to seeking freedom and justice; he encouraged people to speak the truth and stand up for what is right. He said, “We are one people with one family. We all live in the same house… and we must find a way to say to people that we must lay down the burden of hate. For hate is too heavy a burden to bear.” Congressman Lewis’ important message reminds us that there is hope for a better tomorrow and that we should strive for a world filled with justice and understanding. May John Lewis’ memory continue to be a blessing. Who are your favorite models of hope? I would love to hear.
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair, be hopeful, be optimistic.” (John Lewis)
2. Fill Your Heart with Hatikvah/Hope
During these trying times, let us find strength and harmony together. Hatikvah is the National Anthem of Israel; appropriately, Hatikvah means “The Hope”- something we all need now. Jewish singers from different parts of the globe created this lovely acapella rendition. Click here and fill your heart with this beacon of optimism. Keep standing with Israel and speaking out against anti-Israel and anti-Jewish hate.
“Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever.” (Roy T. Bennett)
3. Interested in Cultivating More Optimism and Hope?
Hope is the belief that your life can be better in some way and that each person has the power to make it so. This is not a new concept, but it can be a powerful tool for healing and improving our lives. However, unlike optimism and wishing, hope is about taking action to achieve a goal.
“Reaping the benefits of hope involves doing the work of reframing thoughts and forming new habits.” (Ashley Abramson)
Steps to get you started:
- Consider an area where you lack hope and/or want additional peace. In our troubled world, perhaps this is an area where you feel discouraged or worried.
- Identify a goal and envision a way to improve this area.
- Break the goal into smaller chunks/steps. This will assist you in cultivating additional hope- while keeping things manageable.
- While working on improving this area, remember to surround yourself with hopeful, supportive people. Often, as you combine or share goals with others, your hope and energy will grow.
What would you like to positively change in yourself, others, or society?
Losing hope can prevent us from seeing better days ahead. However, working toward Tikkun Olam/Repairing the world will strengthen our hope, connection, and compassion. Let’s start making positive contributions to the world around us. If you aren’t sure what to focus on, use the ideas below to spark motivation. Even small acts of kindness can contribute to a better world.
- Spread love- Call a loved one you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Perhaps someone needs a friendly voice or a listening ear.
- Spread care/kindness- Prepare a meal for someone who is struggling. Not a big cook, then share a cup of coffee/tea. Or help a neighbor with an errand.
- Build connections and community- Building relationships can create friendships, increase dialogue, and offer encouragement.
- Keep giving back- Get involved with an issue that is important to you. Call the organization and see how you can help.
- Elect officials that share your values- Vote on April 1st! Our Spring Primary Election will have an impact on our state. For more information about the election, click here.
- Perform acts of charity- Donate and volunteer to help others in need—for example, knit hats or scarves for others.
“Don’t ever lose hope. When the sun goes down, the stars come out.” (author unknown)
4. Fill Your Heart With Hopeful Music
The universal language of music can help us find strength and optimism. Music also has the power to spread hope by evoking emotions, connecting people, and even promoting social change. Close your eyes and sing along to these inspiring songs. What are your favorite hopeful tunes?
- “I’d like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony) By The New Seekers- This message is what the world needs now. Enjoy this live performance from 1972. Click here for the (2-minute) clip.
- “Beautiful” By Carol King- Did you know that Carol King just had a birthday? She turned 83 years young! Click here and get transported back to 1973 with her live (2-minute) video from Montreux.
- “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” By Jackie DeShannon- This 1969 song has a lovely message. Sing along with the posted lyrics. Click here for the (2-minute) clip.
- “Olam Chesed Yibaneh” By Rabbi Menachem Creditor- This soulful song is about building a world of kindness and love. Click here for the (5 minute) video.
“I will build this world from love.
And you must build this world from love.
And if we build this world from love,
then G-d will build this world from love.”
(Song Olam Chesed Yibaneh by Rabbi Menachem Creditor)
5. Exercise Your Mind With Inspirational Brain Health and Wellness
Connect with friends and family and share this creative exercise during a family meal, walk, or anytime. To cultivate a hopeful, positive attitude, answer the two creative questions below:
- If you could write a book, what would the title be, and what would it be about? Who would you dedicate the book to?
- Write a letter or a thank you to someone who made a difference in your life. This could be a relative or even someone you have never met, like Abraham Lincoln. Be imaginative!
“Hope is the anchor of the soul, keeping us steady through life’s storms.” (author unknown)
Although we cannot change certain aspects of our world, we do have control over how we respond. I hope the ideas provided will ground you. How are you going to cultivate and spread kindness and hope? I would love to hear. Do you have a question related to aging, memory loss, community resources, or caregiving? I am here and happy to assist! Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thinking of you and sending all my positive energy, light, and love,
Dana
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