Hope
Hope is a positive expectation that something good is going to happen. It energizes us, motivates us, and gives us purpose. Hope is also known as “the light at the end of the tunnel”, “looking on the bright side”, or “castles in the air.” Some people say they see a light at the end of the tunnel and it is the train coming down the track toward them! I like to think of it as confidence, expectancy, faith, and optimism. Helen Keller said, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Many people seek counseling when they have lost all hope for the present and the future. Often, through no fault of their own, trouble has come to their lives. Everything they have tried to do to gain a foothold has failed.
When hope is dashed, depression takes over. Depression saps our energy, steals our motivation, and brings on sadness that makes it difficult to function in our everyday lives. Many people seek counseling at this point. Hopelessness is a belief that there are no viable options.
Hope is tangible, not something “out there.” It is often based on experience and how things worked out in the past. It comes as we realize we have choices — real options. Counseling can instill hope.
Counselors at Prime Behavioral Health offer hope to those who have no hope for themselves. People are invited to rely on the hope we have for them until they have a good foundation under them to find the hope they need.
If you want spiritual guidance, Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
written by: Shirley Verhey, LPCC-S