Keeping Our Hopes Alive

By Hisnam Ahkel

The Biggest Challenge in this world for us is not to keep ourselves alive, but to keep our Hopes alive. This is because, Hopes are very important in our lives, which plays a significant positive role in leading a successful life. Hopes will play a invisible, but a very strong role in taking us to the desired destination.

A person with no physical strength may keep his hopes up and alive, in spite of his weak physical stature. Similarly another person with a very strong physical nature may be very dejected and does not have any positive hopes about life. Why there is a difference in the level of Hopes among People, even though it is only a matter of " How we are thinking?".

Characteristics of Hope:

Let us try to understand the characteristics of Hope. The main characteristic of Hope is that, it is only a function of Mind. It can act as a separate layer in our mind, irrespective of our status, physical strength, Wealth etc, if practiced and followed. The only requirement for us to have a Positive Hope is that, we should have a sound Mind.

Think Positively

Keeping a Hope or No Hope is only a matter of how much we are able to think positively or negatively. There are lot of instances in history, which we can recall, that great successes have come to people, who had not lost their hopes, in spite of their compelling and defeating situations. So we are not going to lose anything, if we keep a positive hope, but the gains we may get may be unlimited. This point needs to re-iterated, that "We are not going to lose anything additionally, if we keep a positive Hope, but the gains may be unlimited".

Keep Our Hopes Alive

Life has become more and more challenging now and we have to do our best to achieve success in both our personal and professional life. We are facing pressure and striving ourselves in all fronts to differentiate and label ourselves as highly successful.

The one and most important thing, which we will be able to do without any cost is to keep our Hopes alive and up. Let us not worry about the results or the outcomes. Let us not bother about our limitations. Let us not think about the negative past, or a mysterious future. Let us only keep our Hopes alive with all out best efforts. This will fetch us innumerable gains in the future and secure our life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hisnam_Ahkel

A Street Called Hope

By Akinola Odunukan

History over time has never pictured a period of delay as so much of a pleasant experience, but one concept that has always shown up as a welcome relief; often acting as a sustenance pill is one called hope. A stimulant that helps us endure the pains of a traumatic past, last us through the rough times of the present and keeps us running with at least enough momentum to survive that extra day which turns out to be the future. The story is told of a man who seemed to have lost everything in a fire but he still looked unperturbed. When he was asked how he managed to cope through the hardship? His response was "as long as there is life, I still have hope". The exciting thing about the story is that the man recovered all that he had lost and much more. The moral of the illustration lies in the word 'Hope', because hope sustains, hope maintains and hope strengthens resolve.

Hope has diverse ways of showing up, ranging from the inventor who had failed many times over to the student who has sat for the examination many more times than expected, even to the politician who continues to lose one election after another. The common denominator in all of these scenarios is hope, if each of the personalities does not get to give up. Failure is never a pleasurable experience but it meets its match in an undying hope that success can be achieved. Eventually it would have no choice but to give way. Hope brings about a very creative imagination, painting pictures in our head which eventually stimulate our drive and fires our will to go on. Hope coupled with all of these pictures together conceptualize the precious gem called vision. Vision structures the future and makes it almost as tangible as something that can be held. Vision tells about possibilities in the realm of the invisible which can be achieved with the right kind of belief.

On this street called Hope lives that man who believes that the derelict on the street corner can later become the president of the whole nation; that a typical nobody can be the inventor of elusive cure for the dreaded disease called AIDS. On this same street lives that woman who believes that if we do not give up, cancer can be a thing of the past, and with a continuous effort and a collective determination our world can become a better place. Further down the street lives that boy with some tall dreams even though his school grades are not looking too good at the moment. Right across the fence lives the market woman who never got an education but believes that her kids would be educated in some of the most prestigious institutes in the world. At the very entry point of this street called hope, hangs a banner with the quote "In this part of the world, we live by our vision and not by our experience" boldly inscribed on it.

Hope has brought real and inspiring stories such as that of TATA, the car company which harboured the belief that they can make the cheapest and the most affordable car, a dream which has come through. Hope has also brought about incremental innovation which has sustained the evolution from the I-Mac to the I-phone to the I-pad, a process that keeps improving. Hope has also brought about successes such as Rwanda - a country transformed from being ravaged by war to one gradually building not just for the now, but for the nation it wants to be through information technology. Endless stories abound with Hope as their baseline, from the transformation of china via monetary innovation to the present development of Singapore from a structured blue-print. A spectacular one is that of the Chinese company 'ten cents' which was grown right from the scratch to its present position of being the one of the largest internet companies that ever existed.

Hope is a street fit for innovators, dreamers, survivors, unrepentant reformers and a people who are audacious enough to believe in change no matter how long. This street exists no where else but in your mind, and it is the tonic that helps us keep our sanity, leads us to keep pulling it all together, and drives us to live through another day. Just like that old woman's favourite saying, "Hope fuels the strength to keep on keeping on". Through the rain, through the storm, through the fire and through the pain, hope is a candle that would never burn out, if the one who harbours can just believe. One street that definitely has requisite requirements but it is down to word belief. Hope is the key that unlocks the castle of endless opportunities.

when i look at life as it plays out everyday and i try to subject these happenings to a critical analysis,it leads me to draw out key resolutions that often determine my topics and ultimately inspire the full body of the eventual write-up.one key thing is that a background carefully orchestrated by the creator also may have been a significant contributor as it has determined the core make-up of my morals,ethics and value system over the years.all of these have definitely gone a long way to determine what my views presently are,helping to decipher motivational thoughts and inspirational insights from day to day. these are first posted on my blog via http://www.dakes83.blogspot.com rightly titled MOTIVATIONAL THOUGHTS and INSIGHTS and then distributed via the various social media networks. you can visit to see a whole lot more than what is available here as it does contain some of my views on some other angles in life.Motivation and Inspiration truly wells up from within especially by the spirit of the creator.one thing we do promise you is that YOU WILL BE INSPIRED!!.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Akinola_Odunukan

Discover How to Hope Against Hope

By Herb Ammons

Hope. It's a simple word, yet it means so very much. But what is hope?

Hope is a feeling or it's an expectation. It's something that you long for. That longing is paired with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

In a way hope is very similar to faith. Having it is important because it is what will get you through the tough times of life. The difficult question is how do you keep it when faced with adversity?

People lose sight of their hope at just the moment when they need to hang onto it the most. When this happens you can really start to spiral into a depression. However, there are some things that you can do to keep your faith strong.

The most important step to discover how to hope against hope is to celebrate your hope each and every day. Every moment that you experience is an opportunity for change and for your luck to turn around. Something wonderful could happen just around the corner. If you keep this at the forefront of your mind you will remember it even in the darkest of times.

Keeping your circumstances in perspective is also very important. Many times when people start to lose hope it is because they let the bleakness of their personal situation overwhelm their outlook. When this starts to happen you need to stop yourself in your tracks and force yourself to take a breath. As you take that break remind yourself that this is just one bump in the road of life.

While it does seem overwhelming right now, you can overcome anything with your hope and faith. In instances like this it helps to look at those who may be less fortunate than you are. When you do that it may help you put your personal situation back into the perspective that it needs to be in.

Hope is also present in the love of those around you. When you hit your darkest times you need support, and your friends and family are there for you. Sometimes you forget that you do have that support network, and other times you may be feeling guilty for needing to lean on them. Remember that your loved ones want to help.

They want to offer their support, and when they are able to it helps to renew their hope that circumstances can change and that they can have a hand in that change.

Hope is not a tangible thing that you can hold in your hand. It is something that you can hold close in your heart. If you remember to celebrate it while you feel it, keep your situation in check, and not be afraid to reach out for help and support, you can trust that your hope will stay strong for years to come.

Herb Ammons, Motivational Speaker and Author. http://www.herbammons.com Ammons is the co-author of a new inspirational book called Hope for Tomorrow: A Book of Motivational Quotes. Grab FREE, Exclusive Report, "Resolve To Help Yourself," visit: http://tinyurl.com/2happy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Herb_Ammons

Finding Hope

By Zoe YoungCo-Author: Adam Benedetto

As we go through life, sometimes we lose the idea of hope; we give up on things changing, on ourselves, on our world becoming better. We lose the hope that resides within, so that we can come to terms with what has already happened thus far in our lives. We see what has come before and assume it is all it will ever be. We are drawing a line in the sand, so to say, on our future. Why lose hope when it seems the only thing that could give us a chance to dream is to see hope not only in ourselves, but in the future.

We tend to think our way out of hope by building plans about the future, based off of past events, happenings, and occurrences; we use them as proof of what life is, like we are a lawyer building a case against life. Feeling hopeless, we then are justified in not only how we feel about what has come before in our life, but with what we assume will come in the future. Our case is proven, so we expect nothing more for ourselves within our own life. We give up and adjust our thoughts accordingly. There are many ways to lose hope. Disillusionment over divorce, a loss of a friend, the end of a job, an endless track record of disasters -- it could feel endless. But remember, with the idea of a building a case because of all the things that hurt, scared you, or left you, of finding your way in understanding what has come before so that you could feel okay about it, you give up on hope. Hope is real; it holds us open to new beginnings and possibilities in life in our hearts and our minds.

Believing in hope allows things to come our way; hope allows us to see things for what they are because we are not closed off to the truth of it. When we see the world through eyes that have given up, we do not see the beauty that resides all around us and where it might lead. In order to find hope again, it is important to ask yourself where this feeling began, where you lost hope along the way in your life. Truly seek out the place where you felt let down, left out, or put behind in life. This is where you decided you were better off without hope, so that you could adjust to all the seemingly meaningless heartache and hardship that had befallen you. Hope lifts us up. It carries us forward in life and helps us to believe that we could find happiness again, that we can find peace and enjoy why we are here. Hope means a lot and when you lose it, it feels like you have lost everything.

It is when we are faced with hardships in life that we are most meant to hope, to see beyond the moment to future outcomes, without hardships or disasters. To give away hope amongst our troubles is basically laying ourselves down and accepting that we are done. But life does not end just because we choose that; there is always the possibility for life to get better, to open up in ways unimaginable, for it to find you and lift you up as well. Find hope in yourself; believe in it so that you can start seeing life as possible, as good, as an event with you in mind, in the best possible way.

Adam Benedetto and Zoe Young are both dedicated to enabling others to reach their full potential in life by helping them release what is holding them back so that they can find their true selves. Through years of experience and development, both have sought out the answers we all need to find peace, understand ourselves, and reach enlightenment. Receive answers about what is holding you back and what will set you free at Answers in Writing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zoe_Young

It Is Never Too Late to Hope

By Jay Alcasid

"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream." Martin Luther King, Jr. These are great words to start this post with. And here I would to talk about finding hope or keeping hope no matter what and no matter when things happen in your life. For, indeed, it is never too late to hope.

Most young people tend to be very hopeful at the beginning of their lives. They build great plans, dream big dreams and hope big hopes. But, at times, those dreams remain just dreams and never come true. There are many reasons for it. One of them is beautifully worded by Peter F. Drucker: "Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans." Many of us start our lives with no idea of how to get from where we are now to where we really dream or hope to be. And that is one door for failure to come in through.

So, as we get older, we tend to lose some hopes and dreams or forget about them at all and live simple and non ambitious lives. Still, I believe, losing hope is not the best solution to go with. Because as Martin Luther King, Jr. Said: " If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream."

So, my point here is to encourage you not to give up hoping and dreaming. May be sometimes we have to change our dreams or do things to make our hopes to come true. But we should never quit hoping. You, I have met some elder people (over 80 years of age), who never lost their hopes, plans and love for life. One lady I knew decided to start learning a foreign language, when she just turned 83. It did not really matter, how much she learned. But she kept her brains working, her wits together and her heart as young and hopeful, as when she was 20. It is so pleasant to be around such people!

But I have also met some young folks, who seemed to have no interest in life, no hopes and no dreams. They said, they were so frustrated that they saw no use in hoping any more. And, it is always bitter to be around such people.

Bible says: The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon. Ps 92:12. And this freshness of life, mind and soul can be preserved throughout the entire life. So, it is never too late to hope, to start building up plans, to dream and to trust the Lord for them to come true.

Spreading the word of God has been my lifetime mission. I have been into different countries preaching sermons and digging up the faith in the hearts of man. Of all the themes in the Bible, focusing on the subject of Hope has been my passion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Alcasid

Hope for Survival

By Dr Bryan Schuetz

You've got to have hope. Without Hope life is meaningless. Without hope life is meaning less and less. - Author unknown

Human beings have a longing for a better tomorrow every day. They would like to be healthier, to have better relationships, to achieve more in all aspects of life.

In looking for better things to come each day, there is hope. This hope is vital to human existence. Just as air, shelter, water and food are necessary for us to survive, hope has a key role in driving us forward every day of our lives.

In my martial art training I have learned many techniques of survival. Being physically and mentally prepared for challenges that might face me at any time is a constant learning experience. You might not associate hope with the martial arts or survival, but let me share some history with you.

There is an ancient ninja teaching called the Zanson No Ho.

It is the basic survival code of the ninja. The ninja were originally Zen Buddhist monks who were farmers the mountainous regions of Japan. In the 1600s the villages of these farmers began to come under attack from the Japanese government. They would send inner samurai tax collectors to rape and pillage and take the spoils back to the Emperor. After years of enduring these harsh conditions, the farmers began to fight back.

Against all odds, the ninja took on the Japanese Government. They were warriors at survival. Many times I'm sure it looked like there was no hope that they could win against such an overwhelming opponent, but after becoming extreme survivalists, they eventually won in protecting their villages against the Japanese Samurai. Hope is a basic tenant in the survival code of the ninja, and they could not have won this peace without it.

The Zanson No Ho describes their basic tenants of survival, including how long you can live without air, shelter, water, food and hope. It is also called the survival rule of 3's.

1. You can live three minutes without air
2. You can live three hours without shelter in harsh conditions
3. You can live three days without water
4. You can live three weeks without food
5. You can live three months without hope

When life seems like it is squeezing the hope out of you, think of these survival rules. You must have hope to survive. How can you build hope when all is lost? Think of the things that are good in your life, even the most basic. Thank God for your family and friends, or that you can breathe, smell the flowers of spring, see the sunset each day, hear the birds outside your window.

The key is to find what you are grateful for and focus your attention on these things. Once you focus on what is good in your life then these things can grow. Meditate on this.

In Health,

Dr. Bryan Schuetz

Dr. Bryan Schuetz is an author and national lecturer on health and motivation. For more information on hope and motivation go tohttp://www.daily-motivational-quote.com and see how a daily dose of motivation can change your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Bryan_Schuetz

Hope! It's More Important Than You Think

By Trina Hayes

I knew I was going to write about HOPE when I woke up this morning. I didn't know what it looked like, but I knew it was going to be about HOPE. Well, amazing how God works, isn't it? Today was my day to have lunch and hang out with my daughter and meet up with a few friends in Venice, Florida. Angie and I had a great time and then we went to visit a friend who will next week celebrate six years in recovery from alcoholism. I am so proud of her. What a pleasure to spend the afternoon with her, curled up on her couch eating potato chips in the middle of the afternoon. Did I just say that? Of course, she was waiting at the front window when we arrived and welcomed us with open arms. As soon as she closed the front door, there behind the door on the wall was a plaque with this quote.

"All of our HOPES and dreams are within reach, if only we believe" Anonymous

This is how my life works. I put it out there and God shows up, in so many different ways. For me, I took this as confirmation about my decision to write about HOPE. When I shared with Lynda about the decision to write about HOPE, she immediately recounted a story from her childhood that stood out in her mind. That is, when she was growing up her mother would say over and over again: "As long as there is life, there is hope." Lynda has recalled that saying many times over her life and on her way to sobriety. Now, she lives by it.

I couldn't help but think about a letter of gratitude that Angie wrote to me as a Christmas present the first year into her recovery. "You are my wings, you help me fly. You are my mother, my guide, and most importantly, my friend. You have supported me during the worst times of my life. You stuck by me through the thick and the thin. When there was no one left, there was you... still holding onto one little itty bitty piece of HOPE that maybe I could make it, and that little piece of HOPE did wonders for me." It brings a tear of joy to my eye as I read this. She knew that I held on to HOPE and that made all the difference. I never gave up HOPE, even when I could no longer pray. Even in my darkest days that I did not know how our lives were going to turn out. I NEVER gave up HOPE.

Anyone and everyone reading this article, please, please, please do not ever give up HOPE, that is for yourself or for others. You have no idea when a person may recall your words, your prayers, your attitude or your way. It may be the only thing they have when times are dark and they don't know where to turn. By you holding that space of HOPE, it just may be what another person needs to turn a corner, to make a decision to get out of the way of their own negative thinking, to realize that they have choices to live a happier, healthier life.

"Faith, HOPE and love and the greatest of these is love." Interesting isn't it? The sequence of these words used by the apostle Paul in Corinthians. Faith, what is faith? Is it necessary that we all have the same definition or is it okay to accept your own definition and allow others to define faith in what works for them. Then, HOPE, really, once again, is it necessary to have a judgment towards what you or anyone else believes HOPE to be and then LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. My interpretation, which is merely my interpretation from my own lived experiences is this: with a little faith, you can have hope to live a life filled with love, love, love.

Trina Hayes
Hopeologist
Author/Reader, Speaker/Listener, Teacher/Student
http://trinahayes.com

I consider myself to be a storyteller and and storywriter. I believe in the power of HOPE. I write, speak and share about hope and healing through abuse, dysfunctional relationships and the impact of involvement with addicts, addiction and addictive behavior. I invite you read my my articles about hope, healing, addiction, abuse, relationships, wholeness, forgiveness, learning to let go, listening, choices, secrets, shame, guilt, pain, trust, thoughts, happiness, faith, awareness, embracing your journey and becoming a thrivor.

Please feel free to contact me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hopeologist

With love, light and HOPE
Trina

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trina_Hayes