By Angela Chavez, LCSW-S, LPC
For many of us, our daily lives now more than ever are filled with uncertainty and possibly even fear. The expansion of social media and the internet have greatly increased the amount of information we are exposed to daily. While these advancements come with increased knowledge and awareness, they can also result in an oversaturation of problems and issues we now face in our daily lives, country, and the greater world. Between this nonstop news cycle, social media overload, and the constant demands of work and family, many women find themselves running on empty. Often, we give so much to everyone around us that some days hope can feel out of reach.
Hope is a powerful force that can sustain us through uncertainty. Thus, during difficult times such as these, the concept of hope becomes more important than ever. Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the Holocaust, provided profound insights into the nature of hope. Frankl theorized that hope is a choice, a powerful force that sustains life even in the direst circumstances. He reinforced that although the outcomes we are hoping for may not be guaranteed, the act of hoping in itself is a testament to building resilience and strength. Frankl emphasized that “everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way reflects the internal nature of hope”. Frankl believed that hope is not contingent on external events; it is forged on our internal resolve and perspective. As we all search for hope during these times, we want to focus not on what is happening around us currently, but instead on our desire for a specific outcome and a rejection of despair as our only possibility.
So how can we develop and build hope in our daily lives during these difficult times? One of the first steps we can take is to recognize what we are feeling. In our culture, we are often disconnected from our deeper feelings and driven by emotions and fears we haven’t identified or acknowledged. Emotions such as helplessness or despair can strongly challenge our sense of hope, and by confronting them directly, we can take steps toward reclaiming our hope. By clearly examining and defining what is troubling us, we can stop internalizing fear and hopelessness and start understanding the deeper context. Paying attention to and naming our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can help us process our experiences and can be powerful in maintaining a hopeful outlook. This mindful practice allows us to acknowledge our struggles while also recognizing our capacity for hope.
Caring for our emotional, mental, and physical well-being is also one of the most hopeful things we can do. Daily efforts to manage stress and anxiety are crucial to allowing ourselves to gain a sense of power and strengthen our resilience. Taking the time to make healthy choices to manage distress through practices such as meditation and breath work can make a significant difference in our daily lives. When stress takes over, our nervous system goes into survival mode, limiting our view of what’s possible. It’s in that state that we can begin to feel stuck or powerless. Making the decision to make time for yourself, even if just a short relaxation break or breathing exercise, can make a difference in our ability to manage stress and increase our resilience. These small deliberate actions can remind us that we’re not only surviving but are still capable of choice, creativity, and growth.
We can also renew hope by finding meaningful things that are within our power to change. While enacting change on a larger scale might not be possible at this time, identifying areas within our control can provide relief from these overwhelming feelings and give us a sense of purpose. Even when we feel powerless, there are always aspects of life we can impact if we pause to identify them. When the enormity of our challenges feels overwhelming, focusing on small, meaningful actions can create a sense of progress and purpose. Things such as remembering and naming the choices that we make daily, from what we choose to eat for breakfast to what time we go to bed. These actions, no matter how minor they may seem, contribute to a larger sense of forward momentum and build hope.
Further, rebuilding a sense of trust in ourselves and others can foster hope. There is power in small, steady acts of connection, such as talking openly about what we’ve lost, asking tough questions, and advocating for change. We can make choices about how we want to view our emotional options, whether to hold out hope for transparent, accountable institutions, or to focus on personal and community growth regardless of them. We can foster trust in ourselves and our community through our daily choices and prioritizing what nurtures a sense of connection. This can be in small ways, such as identifying a neighbor who might need help around their home, or volunteering at an assisted living facility or veterans center. Giving back and making a difference in others’ lives can increase hope in ourselves and our greater community.
Finally, we can be inspired by remembering and honoring the resilience and strength of the women who came before us. Reflecting on and learning about the lived experiences and stories of those who have endured challenging times can also foster hope. Their resilience and strength serve as a reminder that we are here today because of them, and we, too, can navigate and overcome our current challenges.
Even in the most difficult of times, we can foster and maintain hope by prioritizing connection, focusing on small actions, practicing mindfulness, engaging in self-care, and drawing inspiration from the past. The choices we make each day can have a profound healing impact in restoring not only hope within ourselves but also the collective resilience and hope of our communities.
About the Author
Angela Chavez, LCSW-S, LPC, serves as the Director of Clinical Education at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in San Antonio, Texas. A licensed therapist and certified Prolonged Exposure Therapist specializing in complex trauma and PTSD, she has worked with military personnel and families for more than 20 years. The wife of a retired Army officer and mother of a currently serving Army officer, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work supporting resilience, healing, and hope among those who serve and the families who stand beside them.
