#hopeis

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” -Michelle Obama

Over the past 72 hours in the Midwest, I have seen some of the most amazing changes and challenges happen in our region. Never in my life have I been able to comprehend what -30 degrees feels like. In less than 2 minutes outside with gloves on or not, your hands began to tingle and your breathing becomes a tad bit heavy. I noticed, while I was cleaning off my car that I had to take intervals of being out in the cold until the car warmed up. What was this? A different atmosphere that my body was not use too; hope is the same for many, many people. It almost always seems like a tingle or goose bumps but there are more signs that “hope” is. Hope changes your atmosphere and your perspective of what you think matters. Have you ever been at a children’s birthday party or around a puppy? The hope of celebration and of new opportunity releases vibrant aromatics of hope in the atmosphere i.e joy, laughter, excitement. Much like the snow, it is and will always be evident that snow exists, why? Because you can physically see it with your eyes, feel it with your fingers and taste it if you’re adventurous enough.  

Today, take a lesson from the snow. While it has the potential to cause frost bite, ice, and chaotic weather conditions, snow also has the potential to bring people out of their comfort zones i.e sledding, snow angels, ice skating, snow men etc. Today, choose to see your situation differently. Even if the elements of your situation seem a tad bit sketchy or confusing, I have personally learned that hope has been my flash light in dark situations. If we could have an honesty moment in this moment, lets reflect on a person who comes to our minds right now that we believe could use a little more hope. May it be by a smile, phone call or a simple “Good Afternoon?” Be a blanket of hope to someone today. Change your atmosphere and be the hope you have been expecting to see. A favorite Chinese proverb states, “"One joy scatters a hundred grief’s.” One hope can change a whole situation.

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Evolve) is a part of the human experience. Whether you are the high school educator, nurse, tow truck driver, administrative assistance or CEO of a fortune 500 company. In order for us to flourish, providing helping in some form or fashion is a part of that process.    Without hope I don’t believe many of us would unconsciously make it. It’s as if life and hope come together when you really believe in greater. Much like how water is wet. Life is hope.  We choose who and what we help. I commission all of you reading this today. Step outside your “devout” regime and spark a change in your atmosphere

Ask yourself a few questions today:

Am I striving to be the best me today?

Are there any specific areas I could focus less on?

5 things that make me smile are?

3 people who need a hug, high 5 or phone call of encouragement?

    Daily Affirmation:

Hope will always be my closest companion. There is always a better way. I expect great things to happen, now in my life. Grace overtakes us. Mercy surrounds us.  I am joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.