It is rightly said that life is a roller coaster with its fair share of ups and downs. As much as we want our coaster to only go onwards and upwards, we will have to deal with the frightening dips. These dips are the times that we need to remind ourselves about the ups that we experienced earlier, and the inevitable turn of the coaster upwards again.
Also, dips in our lives are less frightening when there is hope of an upturn soon. Today, I am sharing the two things that help me to keep hope alive when I am in the middle of a dip, and have no control over stopping the downward spiral. I believe that this can work for anyone.
1. Having an Attitude of Gratitude
You might have heard this over a million times now. After-all, it sounds cool and even rhymes. But as done to death this concept is, it is hardly ever practiced. I myself am only getting to it now by writing down a gratitude journal. I love lists, and so the journaling method works best for me. You could figure out what works for you. Nonetheless, being grateful for all the wonderful things that you have in your life really helps to put the tough times in perspective, and keep the hope of a better tomorrow alive.
2. Remembering that you have ‘Been There, Done That’
Chances are, this is not your first encounter with a difficult situation. If it is, then do refer to point 1 and be grateful that you had such a perfect, magical fairytale life till now. If not, then simply knowing that you have conquered something like this or even far worse will help tremendously in having faith that ‘this too shall pass’.
Keep your head high, your spirits even higher, and be prepared to deal with life’s situations head on. Like they say, so long as there is life, there is hope.
I would love to know what has worked for you. Maybe it could work for me too. What helps you to keep the hope alive when all seems lost?
*This post is written for the AtoZChallenge.
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Kaddu
Attitude of Gratitude works best for me. “Been there done that” tends to have the reverse effect though… I start thinking about all the bad things that have happened in my life, and then get more depressed! I started blogging during one of the biggest “dips” in my life, and it helped me regain my sanity. Then, in 2013, when I was pushed into an abyss, not just a dip, I participated in daily blogging challenges for 4 months straight, and managed to stay afloat. So I’ll add that the blogging community has helped me a lot too.
I like your posts in this series, Shantala. And I also like the simple images you’ve made with quotes. 🙂
Kaddu recently posted…A to Z of Blogging: H – Habits #atozchallenge @AprilA2Z
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Chicky. Glad you liked it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Vinitha
An inspiring post, Shantala. Hope is a must to survive this life. How truly blessed I’m for never losing hope, even I can’t measure that.
Vinitha recently posted…Life Taught Lessons – I #AtoZChallenge
Shanaya Tales
Glad you liked the post, Vinitha. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Courtney Turner (@mauijungalow)
Life definitely doesn’t move in a straight path, though we would like it to. BTW, when you comment on my blog or others during the A to Z Challenge, feel free to include your link to your blog. It’s acceptable behavior during the Challenge.
Courtney Turner (@mauijungalow) recently posted…Housing on Maui Can Make You Cry
Shanaya Tales
Will do. Thank you so much, Courtney. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentineâs Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Susan Gourley
I like the ‘been there, done that’ attitude. There’a always another crisis. You’ve handled the others and can get through the new one.
Shanaya Tales
Yes, it has never let me down. It helps to put things in perspective. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Susan. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Shailaja
If it weren’t for hope and faith, I would have succumbed to the deadly effects of Depression and Bipolar discorder years ago. Thankfully, being brought up on a diet of ‘It all happens for a reason’ has kept my head above water. Always grateful for that.
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Shanaya Tales
Very true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Shailaja. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Mee Magnum
The Power of Positive Thinking works for me. At least when I remember to use that power.
–Mee (The Chinese Quest)
Mee Magnum recently posted…“G” is for Ginger #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
Shanaya Tales
I agree. It might be difficult to apply it all the time, but it does help. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Rajlakshmi
also we must surround ourselves with positive people, when everything fails, they can help in keeping the hope alive.
Rajlakshmi recently posted…Headstand
Shanaya Tales
Very true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Diana @ Life in German.
I think what I do to keep hope alive is basically just believe..having gratitude is always good though, I like the thought of keeping such Journal!
Diana @ Life in German. recently posted…H is for Hamburg. #BigNews!
Shanaya Tales
Glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by, Diana. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Meghana
For me maybe its the presence of & belief in God that keeps me going in difficult situations. Just thinking tht he some or the other day will definitely get me out of the difficult situation makes me feel better. And yes, a supportive family, who make me realise that there are ppl who care for me.
Shanaya Tales
Yes, faith always helps. We are lucky to have such supportive families too. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Shirley Corder
Thanks for a challenging post today. My hope is in my faith in Jesus Christ. Without Him I would not have survived cancer (17+ year survivor) nor would I be a published writer today. My H is n Heart Transplant at shirleycorder.com/?796. Have a great day!
Shirley Corder recently posted…H is for Heart Transplant
Shanaya Tales
I agree, Shirley. Having faith in a higher power helps in keeping hope alive. Glad to hear that you made a good recovery. Wishing you the best. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
G Angela
As Rightly said by you hope is something that has kept me alive, whenever I am down, I keep telling myself that “this too shall pass…. and I will try and find what to be grateful for in the difficult situation..
G Angela recently posted…H – for Himachal Pradesh
Shanaya Tales
I have read some of your posts, and realize that you have been through a lot, Angela. I admire the strength and resilience you have displayed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad to have you here. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
elly stornebrink
Having a dream or vision n my heart and/or mind helps to burn the fire of hope within me. Knowing that my life isn’t about me per se, but about serving others and living my life’s purpose. 🙂 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted…#A to Z Challenge: H is for Home
Shanaya Tales
It is such a noble thought, Elly. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Swathi Shenoy
So true Shantala. Life throws so many hurdles in our ways and knocks us down but we should always hold on to hope. Better days will always come again 🙂
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Shanaya Tales
Very true. Thanks for stopping by, Swathi. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Prasanna
I need this now because I’m at a dip situation in life. Yes, I’m grateful for what I have but how I wish that I could know what happens in my future which is not looking quite bright now. My faith and hope in God has brought me out of such situations before and I trust God to help me out again.
Shanaya Tales
I am sure that this is just a passing phase, Prasanna. Stay strong dearie. 🙂 Like you said, having faith helps. Wishing you the very best. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Parul
That’s a beautiful and inspiring post. Well, I believe that whatever happens, happens for a reason and I try and find positives in all situations. It’s sometimes hard but it helps!
Thanks for reminding this to me again 🙂
Parul recently posted…H for Honor Killing
Shanaya Tales
Not easy to do. But it always does help to look at the brighter side and the silver lining. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Parul.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Shalini
True that! For me? I cry under the shower and then sleep 😛 A nap makes me feel alright and I can then think with a sane mind! Guess I’m weird that way 🙂
Shalini recently posted…Forever alone No more- H
Shanaya Tales
Hahaha not weird at all. 😛 Sleep is a very effective strategy. I use it to cool off after arguments and fights too. 😛 😉
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
salvwiprasad
Hope—- The heartbeat of life
Cheers,
POETICbug
http://poeticbug.blogspot.com/
salvwiprasad recently posted…Getting over you
Shanaya Tales
True. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Sundari Venkatraman
We humans are way more resilient that we think. We do bounce back, again and yet again. It works every time 😀
Shanaya Tales
Very rightly said. We are more resilient than we think and stronger than we imagine. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sundari. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Eloquent Mind
That was an honest post ! True, we should never lose hope. I guess it’s a behavior that needs to be cultivated over time. Remembering gratitude items is a great suggestion. I personally focus hard to think that something better is in store that took away the present situation and handed me disappointment for a brief interim. I do get sad but it is momentary.
Great going !
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Shanaya Tales
Thank you, EM. Glad to have you here. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Bhavya
My favourite quote which helps me when I am hopeless is, “This too shall pass”
Bhavya recently posted…The Ghost in The Forest
Shanaya Tales
I love that one too. Thanks for stopping by, Bhavya. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Keeping Hope Alive #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z