Hopes can be challenging
things to have.
It’s hard to find one
that doesn’t judge you
for holding it.
Your hope constantly asks
whether it’s on its way
to being fulfilled or
whether it’s naive or stupid
for even existing.
Hopes are needy creatures.
The best we can do
is try to calm them down.
Tell them not to worry.
Let them be hopes,
and don’t harsh on them,
lest they become regrets.
Trail Wood,
6/23
Hopes are indeed delicate companions on our journey through life. They can fill us with anticipation, excitement, and a sense of possibility, but they can also bring doubt, fear, and vulnerability. It’s important to navigate the care and feeding of our hopes with mindfulness and compassion.
When we hold a hope, it’s natural for our minds to wander to thoughts of whether it will be fulfilled or if it’s unrealistic. It’s crucial to approach our hopes without judgment and allow ourselves to dream and imagine without harsh self-criticism. Hopes are not meant to be scrutinized for their feasibility but cherished for the inspiration and motivation they provide.
Instead of worrying about the fulfillment of our hopes, we can offer them gentle reassurance. We can remind ourselves that hope itself is a valuable and necessary part of our human experience. It’s okay for hopes to exist, even if they may not materialize exactly as we envision. By embracing our hopes with kindness and understanding, we create a nurturing environment for their growth.
Just as we care for and nourish our hopes, we must also be mindful of the delicate balance between holding onto our hopes and allowing them to evolve. Sometimes hopes transform, take new shapes, or guide us towards unexpected paths. It’s important to remain open to the possibilities and shifts that life may bring, while still honoring the essence of our hopes.
In the face of disappointment or unfulfilled hopes, it’s crucial to avoid harsh self-judgment. Instead of allowing hopes to become regrets, we can view them as stepping stones on our journey, lessons learned, or opportunities for growth. By approaching our hopes with kindness, we cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
So let us embrace our hopes without judgment, offering them care, and allowing them to inspire us. Let us navigate the uncertainty of hopes with compassion and remind ourselves that their value lies not only in their fulfillment but also in the journey they ignite within us.