One of the essential positive emotions is being hopeful. In the list of ten positive emotions, being hopeful is the only one that is future oriented. The expectation that the future bodes well and is promising is fundamental to joyful well-being. The aspiration for improvement is what makes life purposeful and meaningful. Take away one’s hopefulness and life can appear rather bleak.
Another desire is to be helpful and proactive; the sense that effort can make a difference. Can you personally do anything to improve or implement your hopeful aspirations?
Both hopeful and helpful have antonyms: hopeless and helpless. Both are disabling. I have asked people to describe themselves within these parameters. Age seems to have a bearing on how one classifies oneself. Older folks (over 50) seem to be generally hopeful and feel empowered to affect their hopefulness. However, for younger adults’ hopefulness was in shorter supply and helplessness was not uncommon. What a despairing revelation!
So how can one get out of this melancholy funk? Do you start with the helplessness or the hopelessness? I would start with helplessness. Without a personal sense that you can make a difference, being hopeful is an impossibility. It is unlikely that you will be able to solve climate change, but you can make your neighborhood a tidier place and reduce your climate footprint. World peace can seem hopelessly idealistic, but in your little way you can be kind and inclusive. Start small and local. Make a commitment to honour your word, arrive at the time you agreed, under-promise and over-deliver. Mindfully practice helpfulness, it will unlock your hopefulness.
And being hopeful?! Again, think small, setting realistic and immediate goals. Practice gratitude. Count your blessings. Have a SMALLER CUP that is fuller. Let go of comparison (unless it is with your yesterday). Be charitable.
If you don’t feel helpful or hopeful, how can you move yourself forward? Work on your helpfulness, as your well-being depends on it.