Hope and optimism are two of the most powerful emotions we need to overcome a fear of the future. These emotions help us to believe that future CAN be better than the past or present (not that it WILL be, but that it CAN be). This is not wishful thinking – that all will be ok despite our actions – instead it is understanding that it is possible for things to get better because of our actions and the actions of so many other hopeful heroes too.We do not need to ignore the negatives to have hope and optimism, but we do need to not ignore the the positives!

 

Hope and optimism have been shown to:

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• Reduce anxiety 

• Reduce depression

• Increase wellbeing

• Increase perseverance

• Increase resilience 

• Increase creative problem solving

 

Sometimes we need to see it to believe it! Witnessing others overcome challenges and make progress can make problems seem temporary and solvable, rather than endless and inevitable. This shift in expectation can help create hope for a better future.