I’ll never forget the moments I’ve seen strength in people’s eyes in tough situations.
Be it when they were on the verge of giving up in the face of a disease, but then seeing a light in the tunnel, starting to enjoy the little things and be in the now, understanding that the worst case scenario is never that bad and reminding themselves that survival is our most basic instinct and something we’re actually good at.
Or be it in examples of history, when a war seemed almost impossible to win, when the enemy’s army outnumbered the other side, but there was a leader who brought back the hope in the brave hearts of his soldiers, and that became a stronger force than all the weapons of the opponent.
Be it Nelson Mandela who believed so strong in a cause that no one else considered possible at the time, whose will wasn’t destroyed by staying in a prison for 27 years although wanting nothing more but peace for his nation. And he managed to free his people by changing the inequality in South Africa and ending discrimination.
Keeping hope alive is often the foundation of people’s massive success in life.
J.K Rowling had to overcome rejection from tens of publishers, before finding someone who believed in the story of Harry Potter. If it wasn’t for her perseverance, that story wouldn’t have inspired generations ahead.
Charles Darwin needed to keep his vision alive of how his work would change the world, as The Origin of Species took almost inhumane amounts of time and effort to be created. But he educated people in a way that no one dared before, he dedicated his life to opening our eyes for where we came from.
An example I love is Thomas Edison. If it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t have most of the things you use in your daily life today. But among his 1093 patents for inventions, the light bulb was a result of refusing to give up and trying again after failure THOUSANDS of times. That’s insane. But that’s how some of the greatest people in the world are referred to – as crazy. Obviously, insanity goes together with revolution, with life-changing inventions and the most popular artwork we admire to this day.
Fascinating!
But what’s the similarity between all these examples?
That we all have what it takes to achieve anything possible, even the impossible is a matter of trying enough times.
Willpower, a definite desire, a strong vision, determination, an ideal, goals, perseverance, belief, hope – all these are within us, and it’s up to us to unleash it when we need it.
We’re powerful beyond imagination, examples are everywhere around you. Just look around.
It’s possible that you’re surrounded by mediocre people, whose life is pretty easy and who avoid change, and maybe you’re keeping yourself busy throughout the day doing chores and tasks.
I believe you’re born for greater things. And for a start, you’ll have to get out there and renew your hope in people’s potential and destiny.
See millions of women fighting cancer daily, think about all the people who moved on after losing someone or being broken inside, and who found the will to live a happier life again.
God! I can’t even grasp the number of wonderful examples of strength and hope in people’s mind and soul. You have the same.
Keeping hope alive can become a habit. You should always be sure that the universe is working with you not against you, that better things are coming your way, that nothing is as bad as it seems, that if so many people have overcome this same problem you have, so can you.
Saying it is easy, understanding it with every cell of your body is harder, practicing hope is the hardest.
Start by finding inspiration again. Look for the beauty of life around you. Here are some sources of inspiration, and here’s how to be constantly inspired.
How to Stay Strong and Even Be Positive in a Tough Situation?
My mother just had a surgery to see if it’s cancer. I went to visit her. It’s in another city so me and my dad are traveling back and forth so that we can be there most of the time but still keep other things under control.
My mother is the strongest person I’ve ever had the chance to meet, but it’s the first time I’m seeing her in a state like that.
Even the thought of her being gone or something like that is terrifying, and an unfamiliar and uncomfortable picture in my head. But I gathered all my positivity and hope, and decided to be the realistic one in this situation, putting others in a good mood, and keeping hope alive.
It worked just fine.
I went to the room to see her after the operation, stayed there for more than an hour and was smiling, listening and acting absolutely normal. That’s the kind of mood that was needed in the room anyways.
I know how she feels about me looking at her with sadness or desperation, crying or else. Plus, it’s absolutely pointless. So why not smile, enjoy her company and take wise decisions the moment something needs to be decided?
That’s what I did.
Here are some practical things in a situation like that:
- Never play scenarios in your head before you know the results after having asked no other but the chief physician himself (that’s what I just did, turned out things are alright and she’ll need basic treatment);
- Make plans according to what changes, be prepared, be helpful (at any moment I should be able to go back home, or to stay here for longer, to do tasks for my mum that she can’t handle when in the hospital, etc.). What’s more, all that distracts you from thinking about the sad part of all this, or getting depressed, or feeling sorry for her;
- Act normal – there’s enough of everything else in a hospital already, so act like you do at any other place. Treat people well, don’t depress them with a sad look on your face;
- Think rationally – don’t make plans for too far ahead as things don’t depend on you in such a situation, keep a few doors open, wait till something’s sure to decide on a next step;
- Accept what is – don’t refer to anything related to the past now, no need for that. Don’t wish for things to be different, that’s the least a person in a hospital needs. Don’t be in denial, it’s childish. Be positive when you can and look forward to hearing good news. When it’s not the best news, and if preferably you’ve talked to the doctor yourself first, tell it to your loved one with the most normal intonation possible;
- Be the light in their day – seriously, keep that smile on your face and cry when you’re alone. Don’t bother others with your existing problems or daily worries, these aren’t a priority right now.
The thing is, by doing all that, you can literally save someone’s life. Depression in the form of giving up is self-destructive, don’t let it get to you or to others.
The best way is to be a role model, to be positive yourself instead of just telling others to keep it cool.
Keeping hope alive is a wonderful way to live life. Not only are you helping others, but you’re guaranteeing a happier and more fulfilling life for yourself.
After all, when there’s nothing you can do, or when you’re waiting for news and next steps about something, it’s much better and more practical to be an optimist and just keep living your life, instead of being negative and spending these precious moments being anxious and stressed out.
Hope is contagious too! The more you practice it, the more you’ll find it everywhere around you, and the more others will believe in the good.
So the next time you find yourself in a dark place, look for the light. It’s there.