What does it mean to hope?

Last week I was talking to someone about the word hope. We talked about how hope is kind of a squishy and nebulous word. She said she wished she could hope for things, but it seems so empty to say '“I hope.” My first reaction was that everyone needs hope, but as I thought about it more I realized what was bothersome was that hope is not really an action word. Its a little bit of fluff that really requires no action of personal responsibility. Its not a word that sounds like we have a whole lot of choice in what happens. The word hope is nice and sweet but it doesn’t require strength or determination or even a plan. It doesn’t require a commitment or choice.

We then started to talk about what words feel more powerful, strong or solid. She came up with the word believe. She felt that when she said “I believe” she was making an active choice. She was jumping in with both feet and understanding where she is headed.

When i think back on the conversation I think what believe had that hope didn’t is personal responsibility and the power to influence. Hope implies that the universe will provide for you. Believe implies that you can make it happen and you may need to engage in certain behaviors to move towards that future realization. When we hope something is going to happen the power and control are not ours

I’m still considering this perspective. In some ways I feel a little sad about the idea. It feels a bit like takimg the magic of the universe and wonder out of certain things. In other ways it feels empowering and determined and active There is more ponder I guess.

I hope, no I believe today will be amazing!