Finding Hope

By: Jenna Hendricksen, MA, MFT-LP
 
Right now we are experiencing a new norm. Something we have never experienced before which has left us in a place of confusion, uncertainty, and in a state of anxiety. We do not know what our world has in store for us and that is alarming. 
 
Fortunately, we do know that if you are not an “essential” worker you have one very specific job. STAY HOME. This is likely the only time in our lives that laying around in pajamas can save the world. However, the safety of your home does not mean your anxiety goes out the window. We are all feeling worried and it is valid. I saw a quote this week that caught my attention, and I challenge you to take a moment and think about it...
 
 “Try to remember that anxiety is a blend of fear and hope, and see if you can keep the hope part in mind too.” (unknown)

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• The definition of anxiety from Webster’s Dictionary is: 
  • “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill : a state of being anxious”
• The medical definition is: 
  • “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it.” 
  • Some synonyms for this are worry, concern, apprehension, nervousness, stress, tenseness, etc. 
• The definition of the word hope is: 
  • “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” 
  • Some of the synonyms for this are desire, wish, dream, etc. 

 
Anxiety and hope are unknowns, and they can go hand-in-hand. They keep you wondering what the future holds and how you will be forced to adapt. It is common for people to get anxious about the changes we are experiencing. The challenge is to take that unknown and turn it into hope- that everything will be okay in the end. We do not know where we are headed, but together we can take all the necessary steps to find hope that our world will one day be at peace again. 
 
I challenge you to find hope not only in this epidemic, but in everyday life. 
 
Find hope:

• That you will live and breathe another beautiful day on this earth
• In reuniting and reconnecting with family and friends
• In spending time doing things that matter to you
• In that book you’ve been meaning to read or hobby you’ve been wanting to start up again
• In taking a deep breath and telling yourself it's going to be okay
• In our world working together for the greater good of humanity

 
What brings you hope?
 
Some people find hope in helping others. There are ways to give back, but still keeping yourself and your family safe. Here is a few helpful tips from PBS on how you can take part in helping others:

• Donate or volunteer at your local food bank
• Find ways to help local schools feed students 
• Offer zoom classes in your area of interest or expertise
• Make a large batch of soup and share with your neighbor
• Support small businesses 
  • Order food to go from local restaurants
  • Buy gift cards to stores or restaurants
• Work with your community to help the more vulnerable get groceries
• Donate extra supplies you may have to local hospitals

It is okay to feel anxious about what is happening... That is normal! Everyone is feeling this on some level, yet in that anxiety find your hope. Let yourself feel that hope for a moment, that everything will eventually be okay. Take a deep breath, exhale, and take it day by day. We are all in this together. Check in on yourself and your loved ones, be a united force in this. Everyone is feeling this uncertainty, and they need you to share your hope with them.