Regain that Hope!

Alright, it's one thing to know that being hopeful creates more meaningful life experiences. But how do we go about regaining our lost hope? Sometimes it feels like a darkness has engulfed us and nothing will be able to rescue us. Fear not. Hope is on the way.

Dr. Sciloi, writing in Spirituality and Health magazine, details fourteen different way of working on regaining hope, one for each of the fourteen different aspects of hope. It is not necessary to practice each of these exercises, but rather, prioritize which elements you most need in your life and honestly judge which of the exercises you will most effectively be able to incorporate into your life.

Here's the exercises. If you have any questions about this, feel free to leave me a question in the comment section below.

• Ask, "What would my role model do?"


• Do you end-of-life reflection right now.


• Experiment with smiles.


• Travel!


• Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing (breath in for a count of four from your belly and out for a count of six).


• Take stock of your connections (list the members of your immediate family, five members of your extended family, five closest friends, and five coworkers- then list ways you can improve your connections with these people).


• Re-envision your next ten experiences.


• Practice to Access Wisdom (meditate and be mindful).


• Experience a new sacred practice.


• Play with your brain.


• Make kindness your research project.


• Detach, master, or attach.


• Spread your love.


• Wrie your mission statement.

Phew! Quite a list. But if you incorporated just one of these exercises into your daily routine, I bet you'll feel the hope return to your life in ways totally unexpected and fulfilling.

Be well, my friends.