Keep Hope Alive

"Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all.." ~ Emily Dickinson

There is a bittersweet quality that permeates the air in September. In the northern hemisphere, we say our reluctant goodbyes to summer. When September rolls around there is something in our early programming that kicks in. We gear up for all of the activities associated with fall. Kids return to school and we all begin to pick up the pace.

We never really do finish school while we are alive on this planet. We continue to learn life lessons and hopefully grow through all of our experiences. Much of our earlier training at home and school prepares us to face life as warriors or worriers. The good news is that we can learn to become more resilient if we are willing to do our "hope" work. That's right. That wasn't a typo. I meant "hope" work. Too many of us have been basing our lives for far too long on what is reasonable and evident rather than on faith and belief.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King, Jr.

When I refer to faith, I mean that which is unseen, unproven and is in the realm of the mysterious. Faith requires our active belief. There may be things you are experiencing in your life right now that seem impossible to overcome. Hope is that expectation that the drought in your business, your finances, your relationships, your health could all change in an instant. Don't be deceived by the evidence to the contrary. Hope is what will expand your thinking and challenge your beliefs about what is possible.

According to Greek Mythology, the gods gave Pandora a beautiful box with instructions to never open it. Pandora's curiosity was stronger than her will and she couldn't resist opening it. Once opened, all of the ills of the world came flying out of the box. No one has ever been able to contain them again. However, at the bottom of the box, almost overlooked, was Hope.

Who would have believed that 309 people could survive a burning plane crash last month in Toronto, Canada? Everyone called it a miracle. I also believe it was evidence that Hope is alive.

You can look at the devastation that took place along the Gulf Coast and only see suffering or, you can look again, and see that Hope is alive there, too.

Nancy D. Bishop is a Life Coach, writer and speaker. She coaches women in midlife transitions who want to live more authentically. She publishes a monthly newsletter. For more information on her coaching programs visit http://www.yourlifeyourway.com

---

A Plausible Defense

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 5,... Read More

Showing Your Appreciation - How To Make Others Feel Special

"There are fine things which you mean to do someday,... Read More

Trust Yourself ? The Hero?s Way!

Buying a VCR may not seem like a noteworthy purchase... Read More

Oldies

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 5,... Read More

Do You Pay For Services Out of Obligation or Appreciation?

Have you ever paid for services rendered with a strong... Read More

Inspired Intuition - Following Your Inner Voice

"Some people call the still, small voice insight or intuition?Our... Read More

The Cracked Pot

Letters on Life#3Some experiences you never forget. In some of... Read More

The Day I First Believed

I was eight years old, over four decades ago and... Read More

Discover Your Passion

What are you passionate about? We didn't ask if you... Read More

Just Think of Kyle!

This morning at 5:22am to 6am, I was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed... Read More

A Bad Move

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 7,... Read More

Recipe for Success

"Desire is a tremendous force, and must be directed in... Read More

Dont Ask Your Doctor

Perhaps I should ask my doctor if there is a... Read More

Pay It Forward

My friend Hugh Jeffries died. He was a wealthy man.... Read More

The HUGE Deposit of Diamond in You

Something happened to me some years back that is worthy... Read More

Anam Chara - Living A Life Of Value

Much of our lives we spend comparing what "me" has... Read More

About Self Love

1. How do I love myself?2. How can I feel... Read More

Why Does it Take So Long to Slow Down

Why do we wait so long, before we start thinking... Read More

Your Support Network

Quick. Who's in your support network? Huh? What's a support... Read More

A New Strategy

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 3,... Read More

Discover The Magic Of Doing What You Love

Do what you love to do and give it your... Read More

The Most Powerful Question Ever Asked?

What if every experience in your life is sent to... Read More

How I Get Joy as a Value

*In the last couple of months, I have been fortunate... Read More

Breaking Bonds

I am just out of high school, and I have... Read More

Here is The Inspirational Wisdom From The Masters

Have you always wanted to do invent something, create something,... Read More

How To Be a Champion in Your Life

Are you left with inspiration but no action after hearing,... Read More

A Reason For Living in a Nutshell

In brief, my book A REASON FOR LIVING is the... Read More

Words Of Wisdom

Carlos' Words of Wisdom1. Today is your day to exceed,... Read More

Everyone Has Been Hurt ....Part 6

Continued....I have since grown a lot. I have grown through... Read More

Neither A Borrower

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 4,... Read More

Dreams Do Come True

Experience has made a lot of folks to consider dreams... Read More

Myth And Reality

Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 2,... Read More

You Are So Unreal

Mankind's ability to give life to lifeless objects, gives rise... Read More