There is no medicine like hope.

In his book Man’s Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl wrote that the “loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect on man.” Winston Churchill is recorded as experiencing this dimmed vision when he said, “I am an old man.  I have lived a long time.  I have never seen days like these.  I am tired of it all.  I see no hope for the future.  Our problems are beyond us.”  Churchill was overcome with despair and had lost the confidence he once had- the confidence that had helped him to attain victory in World War II.  His original goal had been completed and was not replaced with another.  His despair was because he had nothing to look forward to!

Mental Hope

The experience of hope has several aspects.  First is the mental component. Hopeful individuals are more optimistic in their thinking. When confronted with a difficult situation, they look for the “pros and cons.”  They tend to evaluate the situation based on personal or professional goals rather than immediately jumping to negative conclusions.  They try to keep the issue in perspective and look for the best in every situation.  In other words, they actively seek to view the problem positively and shape it into a solution. 

It is a well-known belief that to maintain good mental health; a person must always have something to look forward to so they can concentrate on it when life becomes difficult.

Second is the emotional aspect.  Hopeful individuals evaluate their feelings in light of their anticipated outcome. They can maintain assurance regarding the ability, strength, or authenticity of someone or something. This is not a state of denial but rather the process of refocusing emotions during trying times so they don’t get too far off track. It is common knowledge that when optimism and hopefulness are conveyed, people feel better sooner. When they believe in another person’s hope and optimism, they become more confident that things will work out for the best. This feeling of positive anticipation is a key ingredient of hope.

Third is trust or having confidence in our beliefs.  For example, many have confidence in overcoming life’s adversities.  Others may have a faith in God and therefore are hopeful not only in the outcome, but also in life.  Still others may have hope in another person’s abilities to succeed.  In other words, everyone has chosen a belief in someone or something. 

Trusting in beliefs becomes the foundation of hope, which gives stability to thoughts and emotions. Orison Marden summarized it when he wrote, “There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.”

© Daniel W. Trathen, PhD