Finding Hope for the Future When Everything Seems Bad
***Content Warning***
There is content in this article that may adversely affect some individuals. This article mentions suicidal contemplations and death.
Have you ever felt like giving up? Thought the world might be better without you because ______? Maybe you or someone close to you is dealing with something unexpected, a recurring health issue, the death of a loved one, or something else that’s been tough to deal with. Times like these can leave us feeling depressed, lonely, and not very hopeful about the future. In this article, we’ll share how to regain a sense of hope, even when everything seems bad.
Challenged from birth
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Nick Vujicic is someone who has encountered overwhelming challenges from birth. He was born without arms or legs because of a genetic condition called tetra-amelia syndrome. Throughout his childhood, he grappled with the absence of limbs, enduring extensive bullying, and contemplated a future that seemed devoid of meaning. In the depths of despair, he contemplated ending his life.
However, in the depths of extreme pain, Nick's resilience and faith guided him through life's trials. By discovering his purpose, he transformed his obstacles into opportunities. Today, he is a husband, father of four children, coach, and inspirational speaker.
Today is hard but…tomorrow
In the middle of our suffering when life feels hopeless, we can look to the good that does exist. Peta Murchinson, shares that while she was in a sorrowful time waiting for her beautiful six year-old daughter to die, she experienced the goodness of others. “Living in grief helps you see the goodness in people. [You] appreciate what you have, the power of joy, love, and kindness —like flowers from a neighbor,” she says. These things can bring us hope in the middle of our deepest grief and pain.
What’s happening right now can be unspeakably sad. “One day I won’t have her warm little body to snuggle up with at night…,” said Murchinson. “[When that happens], I will remember the human capacity for hope is so strong that even when you’re told there is no hope, somehow you still manage to find it.” There is a powerful human spirit of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. When you are struggling, being open to connecting with others will give you opportunities to experience it.
What keeps you climbing?
When the day is full of incredible sadness and it’s hard to see the good around you, remember a time when you were full of hope. Do you remember what gave you that hope? Oudai Tozan, a Syrian refugee overcame enormous challenges as a new migrant. He spoke no English but had to finish school while working full-time so he could support his family. He believes that “Hope is something that comes from inside you.”
If you have a goal, then you have a purpose and a reason to keep going. Tozan experienced immense challenges but he knew what he was doing would impact the future of his family. He had an important reason to keep going. “You need to know what keeps you climbing,” he says.
Jordan Peterson, psychologist, professor, and speaker says, “People are very, very, very tough. It turns out that if you face things, you can put up with a lot more than you think you can. You can do it...” In other words, you can come out of what you are experiencing today. You have survived things before and you can survive things now. There is hope.
Need Support Now? If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
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