Let Your Hope Keep You Grounded
“In a way, life is a constant process of supersurvival, of facing life’s seemingly impossible choices with honesty and faith in ourselves. It’s a capacity all of us share. It’s the capacity to hope.”
– from Supersurvivors by David Feldman and Lee Daniel Kravetz
I read Supersurvivors by David Feldman and Lee Daniel Kravetz this year, and it was a very inspiring read. Supersurvival refers to our ability to endure life’s most challenging moments, not just by surviving, but by finding meaning, growth, and purpose beyond the hardship. The quote above emphasizes the resilience, inner strength, and courage that our capacity to hope gives us when we face adversity.
We all have the “capacity to hope.” Hope allows us to envision a better future, even when the present seems overwhelming. It is an active, powerful force that fuels our ability to bounce back, adapt, and move forward, going beyond mere survival and transforming our responses into growth.
Hope also helps us stay grounded. Grounded hope acknowledges the difficulties we face, but it also fosters the belief that growth and progress are still possible. It helps us not only bounce back but also bounce forward.
Here are three tools for developing grounded hope:
KNOW WHO IS ON YOUR TEAM. Research shows that trauma survivors often receive strong initial support, but it tends to fade over time. Psychologists Krzysztof Kaniasty and Fran Norris found that the perception of ongoing support, rather than the actual amount of help received, plays a crucial role in emotional well-being. Believing that at least one person will always be there is a key factor in building resilience.
PLAN REALISTICALLY. Realistic thinking is key to recovery. It helps create a sense of security by allowing you to assess potential outcomes and develop practical plans to manage them.
FORGIVE. Holding onto anger and grudges can hinder personal growth and contribute to health issues, while forgiveness is linked to greater well-being, reduced depression, and improved life satisfaction. Though challenging, forgiveness should be seen as a gift to ourselves, not as excusing others. It frees us from resentment, allowing us to heal and focus on a hopeful future.
At some point in life, we all face adversity. The journey of recovering, rebuilding, and rebounding is not just about returning to where we were; it’s about evolving into something stronger. Grounded hope enables us to heal, pivot, and move forward, even if things are still uncertain. Each micro-step forward is a meaningful stride toward a brighter future and a new beginning.
If you’re having a hard time finding hope, let us support YOU! Our caregiver peer supporters are all about sharing HOPE!