How To Find Hope When Things Feel Heavy

Hyālō, Happy Minds. If you’re anything like me, the last few weeks have been tough to say the least. I’m not going to dive headlong into a political rant, and nor am I going to start attacking or blaming anyone here. As regular readers will know, the good folks at Happy Mind are stalwart champions of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. This means we’re always eager to broaden our horizons, think outside the box, and truly understand everyone’s viewpoints—even those we might not agree with. So instead of talking about division, I want to talk today about hope. Because while we may differ in what we envision for the future of our species, we are united in our hope for a better tomorrow. So let’s talk harnessing that humble-yet-hardy-H-word, shall we?

“Hope is patience with the lamp lit”
Tertullian

1.   Acknowledge the hard stuff

Hope isn’t about ignoring reality, or plastering over it with wishy-washy platitudes. It’s about facing up to what’s difficult, acknowledging the presence of despair and still believing that things can get better. Now, I’m not an aspiring contestant on ‘Miss World’, so for those of you that do think we can wish our way to world peace or a better tomorrow, you go right ahead and keep wishing. But it was hope that lit the fire behind every civil rights movement that got us this far, and it is my belief that the least we can do is not give up that hope, but instead keep carrying that torch into a better tomorrow. So let’s acknowledge that we are hurting, let’s recognise that there are struggles to come, that the road ahead may be longer, darker and rockier than we had thought. But let us also fan the flames of resolve to meet those challenges head on.

2.   Look for the light – no matter how small

Hope isn’t always big or loud. Sometimes, it’s in the smallest moments—a kind conversation, a sunrise, a deep breath. These tiny glimmers of light remind us that beauty and goodness still exist, even in dark times. We can’t carry the weight of the world around on our shoulders all the time, because no matter how formidable the future might feel, all we ever truly have is this moment. It is in these moments of lightness that we find the strength to carry on. So find a little stillness and a little beauty and maybe even a little silliness, and when you do, don’t be afraid to share it with those around you.

“With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world”
Max Ehrmann

3.   Connect with others

Isolation can make things feel heavier, while community, even in small ways, can help lighten the load. Whether it’s a deep conversation, a shared laugh, or a simple “thinking of you” message, connection brings perspective and comfort. If the world feels heavy right now, maybe today is the perfect day to start a new hobby or reach out to find a new community. 

4.   Take action, even if it’s something small

Feeling stuck can drain hope, but even the smallest action can create a shift. Progress isn’t always about big changes; sometimes, it’s about simply taking the next step – often that means literally! Changing your environment by getting outside and moving around, completing a simple task like going to the shops, doing something pleasurable like making a hot drink or helping someone who needs you. 

5.   Reframe what Hope looks like

Hope doesn’t mean ignoring what’s hard or waiting for a perfect solution. Sometimes, it’s about resilience, adaptability, and finding meaning even when things don’t go as planned. It’s about trusting that change is possible. After all, we live in an evolving, vibrant and dynamic global community of thinkers, doers, dreamers and schemers each possessed of the indomitable human spirit that’s gotten us this far. The future is what we make it, friends, and one thing is for sure; the only way there is together.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”
Martin Luther King Jr

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