Hope feels like a fragile, naive thing these days. Whenever something good happens, we are uncertain about whether to invest in that good, anxious that the next phone call or headline will remind us of the turbulence of the moment. Everywhere we look, violence and injustice and misunderstandings abound … as does wonder and love and kindness and generosity. So how might we hold both? What might cultivate a grounded hope that does not feel ridiculous or tissue-paper thin?
- Ritual: I chose the image of a Japanese tea ceremony for this note as it reminds us of the power of ritual. Our rituals steady us, remind of us of who we are for at least a moment or two. They ground the day and center us in our own capacity for personal leadership. I exercise 3 times a week. I meditate 2x a week at least. I faithfully read a few newsletters (Susan Cain’s for one) that remind me of beauty and connection and wisdom. And every morning I read a poem. None of these take much time. Every single one lands me fully in practices that are life-giving. Our habits tell us that we matter; reminding us that we can choose to shape our day. They are acts of agency – and this is where hope is seeded.
- Hunt the good. Choose, despite the onslaught of cruelty in every form of news we view or read, to seek out stories of kindness, generosity, care, compassion, and connection. There are rivers being cleaned, unhomed being fed, neighbors checking in on elders, children drawing pictures to give to their friend who is sick – simple acts of love everywhere. Hang out at any coffee shop, laundromat, school yard, park or grocery store long enough and you will see decency. We simply have to look with eyes attuned and take a moment to savor the best of us in action. Hope is nourished by the positive and any one of us can build an internal reservoir of these affirming moments.
- Bravely reach out. We do better when we are connected. We feel stronger when we connect in ways that are not only positive, but that stretch us into a sense of our own worth and power and meaning. No one navigates rough times well alone. Choose, perhaps once a week as a ritual, to live into this question: How might I be 3% more brave in connecting in a way that is meaningful to me? A grounded hope requires action – it is not enough to wish for it. We need to see ourselves acting as if we can shape our days in a better direction. When we layer action with small stretches toward bravery, we build a larger sense of ourselves inside … and from there, more becomes possible.
I do not know all that you are holding … but I do know that it is a lot. None of us are coasting now. And no one is free from the destructions around us. We do ourselves and our world a service by pausing and considering how we might build a structure of hope within that is not rooted in denial or delusion, but in practices that sustain.
And some new news:
I am so honored to have been asked to lead the IPPA Spirituality and Meaning Division’s Practice Series for 2026. For those interested in positive psychology-based conversations regarding transcendence, meaning-making, existential questions and practice, do consider joining us for 4 conversations this year. Our first conversation will be held in Feb. and can be found through the IPPA website.
And very soon, I will have a new TEDx talk available on the power of beauty and goodness to benefit us and our world – I’ll send the link along in my next newsletter!
For now … wishing you all the best in settling once again into those habits and rituals that bolster and inspire your wellbeing and your strength.
It is a harsh time, I am sorry for this.
And, we can steady ourselves.
Love, Maria
