I Choose Hope

The power and peril of hope in an uncertain world.

Photo by Carl Hunley Jr on Unsplash

As I sit here, typing away at my keyboard, I can't help but glance down at the bracelet on my wrist. It's a simple piece of beaded jewelry with the word "hope" in the center of it. But for me, it's so much more than a fashion accessory. It's a constant reminder of both the power and the peril of hope in our lives.

On Saturday, June 23rd I shared a post on social media about my relationship with hope. The public and private feedback on how my words and experiences with the duality of hope resonated and inspired was overwhelming in all the best ways!

Hope. It's such a small word, isn't it? Four letters that carry the weight of our dreams, our fears, and our ability to push forward even when the path ahead seems dark and uncertain. I wear this bracelet not just as a talisman, but as a challenge to myself—to cultivate hope in my own life and to inspire it in others.

This isn't the first time I've written about hope. In a previous newsletter, I explored how hope can be a driving force in our personal and professional lives. And more recently, I had the privilege of co-authoring an article with Jennifer Moss on hope as a crucial leadership skillset. These experiences have only deepened my conviction that hope is not just a fleeting emotion, but a powerful tool for change and growth.

In this era of constant disruption and change, hope isn't just a feel-good emotion—it's an essential leadership skill. As leaders, we're tasked with guiding our teams through uncharted waters, facing challenges that seem insurmountable. But here's the truth I've come to realize: without hope, even the most brilliant strategies and innovative solutions fall flat.

So how do we cultivate hope, both in ourselves and in our workforce? Here are a few steps I've found helpful in my own journey:

1. Acknowledge the struggle: Hope doesn't mean ignoring the difficulties. It's about facing them head-on and believing in our ability to overcome.

2. Focus on small wins: Celebrate the little victories along the way. They're the building blocks of bigger successes.

3. Connect with purpose: Remind yourself and your team of the 'why' behind your work. Purpose fuels hope.

4. Foster community: Hope thrives in connection. Create spaces for your team to support and uplift each other.

5. Practice gratitude: Regularly acknowledging the good in our lives can shift our perspective and nurture hope.

6. Visualize success: Encourage yourself and others to imagine positive outcomes. It's not just daydreaming—it's setting the stage for achievement.

But here's where the "peril" part comes in. Hope can be fragile. It can be crushed by setbacks, eroded by cynicism, or lost in the daily grind. That's why wearing this bracelet isn't always easy. Some days, it feels like a beacon of light. Other days, it's a weight, reminding me of all the times hope has let me down.

Yet, I keep wearing it. Because I've learned that hope isn't about blind optimism. It's about resilience. It's about getting back up after you've been knocked down, dusting yourself off, and trying again. It's about believing that your efforts matter, even when the results aren't immediately visible.

As leaders, we have the unique opportunity—and responsibility—to be beacons of hope for our teams. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, our ability to inspire hope can be the difference between a workforce that's merely surviving and one that's truly thriving.

So today, I challenge you: How can you cultivate hope in your own life? How can you inspire it in your team? It might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you're used to focusing solely on metrics and bottom lines. But I promise you, the ripple effects of hope in your organization can be transformative.

Remember, hope isn't about ignoring reality—it's about seeing beyond it to the possibilities that lie ahead. It's about believing in our collective ability to create positive change, even in the face of adversity.

As I look down at my bracelet one more time, I'm reminded of a quote by Emily Dickinson: "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all."

In our roles as leaders, we have the opportunity to embody this resilient, ever-present hope. It's not always easy, and some days it may feel impossible. But by nurturing hope within ourselves and fostering it in our teams, we can create workplaces and communities that are more resilient, innovative, and ultimately, more human.

As we face the challenges ahead, let's remember that hope isn't just a feeling—it's a choice we make every day. A choice to believe in better possibilities, to take action towards positive change, and to inspire others along the way.

My bracelet serves as my daily reminder. What will yours be?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

📝 Bonus blog content: As I’ve embarked on my “Summer of Slow” many of you have been asking me how it’s going. So, I’ve started a weekly(ish) blog on my personal experiences as I attempt to hit the brakes on life's relentless pace. Each week, I'll share insights from the front lines of my summer of deceleration - the daily struggle to simply be present without jumpstarting into the next thing. You can find them on both LinkedIn and Instagram. Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3 are live!

📖 What I'm reading: "The School of Life: Reasons to be Hopeful" is a refreshing breath of optimism in a world that often feels overwhelmingly negative. This book offers a thoughtful exploration of why we should maintain hope, even in challenging times. It's not about blind positivity, but rather a nuanced look at the human capacity for progress, resilience, and joy. I find myself returning to its pages whenever I need a reminder of the good in the world.

💎 What I'm wearing: My Little Words Project "Hope" bracelet has become more than just an accessory – it's a daily reminder to keep faith in better days ahead. There's something powerful about wearing your intentions, and every time I glance at my wrist, I'm inspired to approach life with a more hopeful outlook. It's amazing how such a small item can have such a big impact on my mindset.

📱 Who I'm following: The Fuschia Tent is quickly becoming my go-to resource for navigating the often-confusing world of perimenopause and menopause — it gives me hope for women’s health. It's more than just an information hub; it's a vibrant community that brings women together during a significant life transition. A huge congratulations to Kacy Fleming on the launch! It's inspiring to see friends create spaces that empower and support others.

🎧 What I'm listening to: The "Hope, Through History" podcast is a fascinating journey through some of America's most challenging times. Jon Meacham's narration brings these historical moments to life, showing how hope and unity helped the nation overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It's a powerful reminder that we've faced difficult times before and emerged stronger. Each episode leaves me with a renewed sense of optimism about our ability to face current and future challenges.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​