Do You Still Believe in Hope?

Do you still believe in Hope? I hope so, because I do. Many of us in today's upside down, crazy, scary world are living on hope alone. We strive to make our slice of the world better every day with just one step at a time, not only for ourselves but for the ones we love as well. Are you one of those people?

Many of you are in a circle or holding pattern in life right now, due to work situations, money, the economy, family issues, etc. You can't see an end because you continue to go around in circles, ending up back in the same spot you are currently in. Taking steps, even very small ones, can help change that and get you back on the correct path. By following a few key steps, and keeping them clearly defined, you can reach your goal and change how you live your life.

Here is a very loose guideline that I try and use for myself. I hope you can adjust it to your own life.

1. Think large and outside the box!

Ok, I know this might be cliché, but it is true! If you set a large goal that is reachable in real life, not something absolutely impossible, and take the steps, even small ones to reach it, you can achieve it! Thinking slightly differently or outside the box, but not in a completely radicle way, can greatly improve or change your path in life also.


2. Put aside petty issues, negative thoughts, and negative people!

Don't sweat the small stuff. Keep your thoughts OFF those things and people that you can not change. You are wasting valuable brain power and time on negative thoughts. If you always stay in the negative, you can not go foward and will never be on that positive path to a better life. Negativity from many sources around us, including people and places, impact our daily lives much more than we usually realize. Take the time to clean up the negative and replace with positive.


3. Positive Attitude!

A big portion of changing ones life and creating a path you really want to be on, is about attitude. Keep only a positive attitude from this point forward! Never give up or give in. This is a lot harder than it sounds. I know from experience! I am usually a very positive person but I do have my moments in which negative thoughts try to pull me into that dark void. Keep as many negative people out of your lives as possible. If you can't ignore or cut loose the negative people, then make an effort to be even more positive around them. Maybe your positiveness will rub off on them!


4. Keep your clearly defined goal in your mind at all times.

This can be very hard. I know because it is for me. But, once you have it in there, don't let anyone or anything persuade you from reaching it. It may, and most likely will, take time and A LOT of hard work, but it is still your goal. No matter what it is, go for it! Make everything you do everyday, in some way, related to reaching your goal, your dream. Train your thoughts to be something like: That first cup of coffee helps you wake up so you can begin your day and start getting closer to your ultimate goal. That morning shower helps you get ready to face the day and be your best for whatever tasks you set out to accomplish that day. Relating little everyday things can help you focus your mind on your goal.


5. Rely on a special loved one that will and can help you reach your dreams and goals.

I am extremely lucky because I am blessed with a fantastically positive, outgoing, smart, very loving and supportive person in my life that encourages me, helps me, and gives me the confidence to reach for the stars. He has inspired me to do many things that I never thought I would ever be able to do for one reason or another. He is my rock and my safe haven. He guides me when I ask, advices me when needed, and lets me fly free when I want to. If you have someone that you can rely on to be your rock, grab on to them and share every dream you have. That one person might make the difference in your own life and how and if you attain your dreams.

Don't let the nay sayers around you influence you. If that had happened, Apple would not be what it is today. I'm not saying that you will be the next best inventor in the world, but who knows? It could happen.


Keep your mind clear and positive! And above all, dare to Hope!