Thank you, Mr. Pope. I believe you. Although, I think we can better understand this adage when we are sad, lost, or forlorn. Whatever causes us to feel it, recognizing hope as a gift may help us to put it to good use.
As someone with a long list of things to be thankful for, I have had my fair share of setbacks and sad occurrences too. While those times may have been quite painful, I was eventually able to get myself back to solid ground, wipe the tears, put on my big girl pants, and move forward. Upon reflection, I realize this was due to a spark of hope, partly out of necessity, partly a desire for a return to optimism.
Depression is a beastly disorder and not to be taken lightly. I encourage anyone suffering from it to seek help. I know from personal experience it can rob a person of joy. While some suffer much more than others, I am thankful to have overcome those times of distress. It is that spark of hope that inspires me to share one of the simplest catalysts to hope.
WALK HIKE RUN
Whichever of these strikes your fancy, just go do it. If getting out the front door is the hardest part, try gifting yourself the freedom of no expectations. No set direction, speed, distance, or time. Heck, just walk around the block if that’s all you’ve got. In time, increase the intensity as you feel the desire. I say this in all sincerity because sometimes just putting one foot in front of the other was all I could face. But something about the sun on my skin, wind in my face, or the sound of nature gave me that tiny measure of hope.
Years ago, I was a runner. However, it did not take long for me to realize I would rather walk than continue beating up my body. I had been motivated by marathon and triathlon friends who still inspire me today. My body was just not meant for the same kind of physical burden as the more extreme athletes, and I am ok with that. Walking and hiking still do it for me these days. In addition, living in a temperate climate helps. Even cold days in southern California are usually still good days for getting outside. And there are many scenic trails to choose from. I am lucky!
PATHS THAT PULL YOU IN
I am a sucker for an hidden path. It is the most hope-inducing view I long for while hiking. There is something about seeing a path disappear around a curve that just pulls you ahead. You have to keep going to find where it is going. I have crested ridges that spilled onto breath-taking ocean views, followed steps down to find sprawling caves, and wound round seemingly endless curves and stumbled upon fields of lilies too. I feel giddy just putting this in print.
Even a trail I have already been down before will provide something new the next time I take it. Deserts bloom, heavy rains alter established paths, and the changing seasons offer fresh takes on a constant backdrop. As mentioned, I am in southern California now, but I used to live in Virginia where they enjoy the full expression of all four seasons. Remembering the transitions from wintery country roads, colorful spring blooms, green heat waves in summer, and jaw-dropping fall foliage brings tears to my eyes.
Wherever you are, find what will spark that hope in yourself. Poet, Alexander Pope wrote, hope springs eternal in the human breast…. the soul, uneasy, and confined from home, rests and expatiates in a life to come. In essence, finding hope in what is to come is what will drive you. Dare to try it! PQ