Jan 8

Jan 8 5 Ways to Manifest Hope in 2020

For some people the start of 2020 has been all about setting big goals and crushing them.
For others, 2020 has been accompanied by the unavoidable residue from 2019, in the form of physical and emotional pain, loneliness and/or heartache. I definitely fall in the latter category. I had high hopes for the start of a new year, but already this year has started out with physical pain, disappointment, fear and frustration.

The good news is this, it doesn’t have to stay this way. How a year begins or ends does not define anything if we do not allow it to. If I have learned anything it’s that a lot can happen in three, six or nine months, both positive and negative. At the end of the day, I’m in control of how I choose to view my situation, and I believe that there is still so much hope in my story. Below are the five ways I am manifesting hope for my year ahead, in-spite of the upsetting start I’ve had.

Pray over your hope + joy.
This is my #1 strategy. Circumstances change and it is possible for them to steal hope and joy if I allow them to, leaving me feeling defeated and empty. Everyday I pray that I do not lose hope that goodness and love always win. I also pray protection over the joy of my heart.
2. Surround yourself with positivity.
Ask yourself these questions: Who do I spend time with? Do they lift me up? Are they loving and honest?
How do I spend my time? Am I wallowing in self pitty? Am I scrolling social media wishing you had someone else’s life?
I cannot tell you how important it is to have a person or group of people in your life who you can grab coffee with, laugh with and who will reach out to you and send you encouraging texts or phone calls to lift you up (it’s equally important to be that person for somebody!).

3. Seek help + guidance when necessary.
I have learned to ask for help. It’s not always easy, but talking through the highs and lows of life instantly creates an atmosphere of hope for me. I have a small yet solid network of people who I know if I go to with questions, problems they will help me work through my thoughts and feelings with love and honesty. I also acknowledge when what I’m feeling needs professional guidance and I’ll schedule what I like to refer to as a “tune up” with a counsellor. There ain’t no shame in my therapy game and sometimes seeking professional guidance is the exactly what I need to gain perspective.

4. Do not settle for mediocre.
Walking into 2020 I could have the attitude that “this is my life… chronic pain” but I refuse to settle and accept a life that is only mediocre feeling. I choose to challenge myself physically (get strong). I choose to challenge myself emotionally (work through the pain and towards joy). I choose to challenge myself professionally (asking for more responsibility and showing that I can do more). I will not settle, and this year I’m pushing myself to be better.

5. Envision yourself a year from now.
Where do I see myself in a year from now? For me, I envision myself healthy and strong. What do I have to do to get there? Eat healthy, stay consistent with my physiotherapy and exercises and move my body more. A year from now I set myself a big goal, which I broke down into smaller goals (and even smaller ones from there).
Creating a vision board is another great way create hope for an awesome year ahead!