"People who are high in hope are happier and
healthier.
They live longer, do better in school, have
stronger friendships, are more creative and are
excellent problem solvers.
They also experience less depression and anxiety.
Hopeful people even have higher pain tolerance.
Hope is like an umbrella that protects you from
the storms of life."
This is a well-researched and reassuring look at hope. In the opening, Ms. Curtis advises that each of us has hope; it is with hope people work to make changes that will make the world we live in better. It takes often takes hard work.
" ... hope is “leaning in and working toward something meaningful to you—even if you’re not sure it’s going to happen."
Beliefs about hope are found throughout the world, and in many teachings and studies conducted. Difficult times can make it hard to hold on to hope; there are things to be done to nurture it. Being in nature, developing caring relationships, searching for information, and artistic expression can all help when things feel hopeless.
"At Hope Studies Central, a research unit at the University of Alberta, Canada, they've created a school-based program for exploring and expressing hope. The focus is on improving mental health as students and teachers build hope together through listening, sharing, reflecting, making art, as well as doing community service, like working with seniors or cleaning up a local park."
You need to feed hope; it can be catching. I often tell friends that a great way to start the day in a middle years classroom would be to watch videos from Steve Hartman for CBS News. They are called On The Road and offer remarkable examples of people (kids and adults) doing remarkable things. They absolutely inspire hope in those who watch them.
In back matter, Ms. Curtis introduces hopeful people working to change the world, ways for readers to help, a glossary, and lists of useful resources.
Inspirational and meaningful.
No comments:
Post a Comment