We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
My hopes are not always realized, but I always hope.
Ovid (BC 43-AD 18)
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
English proverb
I am a fine one to talk about hope. For years I have been misquoting the English proverb above, instead saying “Hope for the best, but expect the worst.” Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy! It is human nature to be condemned to, or elevated by, those things we repeatedly tell ourselves. We are victims of our past only as long as we keep telling ourselves that it will be so. Like many parents I will not hear my Reason use expressions like “I can’t do this” or “I won’t like that” or “I’m not good at that” first they have to attempt each task and keep trying until their words bear the mark of an indisputable truth. That rule has been extended to my adult friends. No negative self-talk is tolerated. That isn’t to deny that there may be truth in their statements – rather it’s about recognizing and seeking our strengths, not exposing our weaknesses.
The wisest and most successful amongst us work to their strengths and seek help with their weaknesses.
Rather than be preachy I’d rather send a message of hope.
Work to your strengths find joy and honor in the fruits of your labor. And when your efforts don’t seem to be fruitful – persist, in the knowledge that there are forces (family and friends – seen and unseen) who will help, wish you well and bring you strength not just now, but in all of your life’s endeavours.
In all things it is better to hope than to despair.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832)
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tunes without the words, and never stops at all.
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
