Feeling Not Very Hopeful?

I’m sure feeling that way today. Not very hopeful. A chunk of our planet is on fire, while another chunk is recovering from being underwater. And to add insult to sorrow – those poor meteorologists whose lives are being threatened when trying to do their job trying to HELP PEOPLE. I have a sign in my front lawn that has the word dictatorship in it. Ok, you get it. And, no, this isn’t a political rant. Stay with me.

So, what can give us hope during times when we’re not feeling very hopeful? I think it comes down to something pretty fundamental – our values.

Our values remind us we have power. They offer us a true north, inform our journey, and give us courage when the going gets rough.

They can also require us to reflect on how we have been living our life. Reminding ourselves of our deepest convictions can shore us up as we navigate big decisions and career or life transitions.

I’d like to share with you a values activity I use with my clients.

I’d be curious what you learn.

If you don’t mind, here are my core values: Autonomy. Authenticity. Connection.

I came back to these this morning to remind myself I have agency here. I can choose to honor my values and my deepest self. I can reach out more (connection) and not worry so much how I’ll be received by others (authenticity). I need to remember to be me – and feel deeply and be angry and sad – and not very hopeful right now. But wait, theres more. I have my people. I have grown “kids” I love, a husband who drives me crazy good and bad. A dog – my Ellie. And I’m about to head to lunch to meet my business coach – who knows what our conversation might uncover. My autonomy value can enhance my feelings of aloneness – AND yet, I can embrace that as a core part of who I am. Because in truth I treasure those solitary moments, even as I am forced to get in touch with my loneliness.

So, how about you?! What matters to you and gives you hope even during your troubling times?

Would love to hear what comes up for you!