HOPE
(noun)-
the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best: to give up hope.

(verb)- to believe, desire, or trust: I hope that my work will be satisfactory.

Have you ever really stopped to reflect on the true meaning of "hope"? When asked to define this familiar four-letter word, definitions may vary from person to person. However, it all revolves around one central theme; unyielding faith. To hope is to believe, trust, or maybe desire a certain outcome. People are passionatly hopeful regarding different subjects. Every living, breathing, functioning being carries a certain degree of hope (some more than others). But it is this "hope" in itself that keeps our hearts pumping, our spirits lifted, and our heads held high. And yes, lost hope can cause more pain and suffering than we often give credit for. Without hope, every day becomes a challenge. The cup is no longer half full-it's half empty. It is at this point that attitude and perspective will either make or break a person. As we lose hope, we tend to lose focus. Our needs and wants are not being met. Instead of taking proactive measures, we tend to nurish and feed into negative thoughts. "Why ME?", "Why can't anything ever go right?"... most people experience these thought patterns atleast once in their lifetime. If you find yourself asking these questions, stop and think.

Are you doing all you can to solve the problem at hand? Or are you simply subjecting yourself to what ever is causing this pain? Are you taking life for granted? Once you recognize all you have to be thankful for, all your worries will begin to seem less like problems and more like opportunites. Opportunites to grow, to change, and to make change. By no means am I saying you will live a life free from any imperfection. However, waking up to the sound of your alarm clock is no longer dreaded, but eagerly welcomed. Learn to love imperfections, whatever they may be. Love the people who push your buttons. Perhaps God placed them in your life to teach you patience. Or maybe, you crossed paths so that they may learn a lesson or two from you. Where ever you go, go with unyielding faith. Hope that the choices you are making are, in fact, the right ones. If you strive for what is right, there is no time for shame, regret, or guilt. Only make time for growth; spiritual, intellectual, and emotional. Love unconditionally and above all, remain hopeful. That is the only way to live. Anything else is mere existance.