The Power of Hope
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu
How often do you think about the concept of hope? How often do you notice when and where hope is showing up in your life? Do you ever think about how the presence of hope influences your actions and emotions?
I’d challenge that often times hope is doing its work in the background. Whether it comes to striving towards success at work or overcoming obstacles in a relationship with a partner you absolutely adore, I believe hope is part of what keeps us going. We continue to hold on, fight for, or work towards what we want because we have hope; even if we’re not actively thinking about it in the moment.
When we are grieving the loss of a loved one, it is not uncommon to experience a loss of hope as well. This loss of hope may sound like, “How will I go on without him/her/them?” or “He/she/they were my everything. There’s nothing left for me.” It may feel as if we are flooded by darkness with no light in sight. Whatever a loss of hope sounds like for you, I want you to know you’re not alone. And you don’t have to remain in this spot of hopelessness. Below are a few questions to explore allowing you to begin seeing the light despite whatever darkness your loss may have created.
- What does your loss of hope sound like?
- How would your life look following your loss if you carried hope? What would be different? What would stay the same?
- Is there anything in your current day-to-day that provides you with hope? Even if it’s for a small moment?
- How can you expand on those moments of hope?
For some, hope never gets lost; it may be challenged but never lost. If hope has always been (and continues to be) your guide, what’s allowed you to hold onto the hope? How has that influenced your grief journey?
Regardless of your experience, we all deserve to see the light peeking through the darkness.
Here’s to living a better life as your best self.
Brittany Squillace, MA, LMFT
Grief Counselor
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