Feeling hopeful? You can see something good ahead.
In short
Feeling hopeful means believing that something good can still happen, even if it isn't here yet. Hope looks forward and gives you energy to take the next step. It is not the same as being sure. It is choosing to keep a door open.
How it differs
Optimism is a general expectation that things will go well, hope can exist even when things look hard. Eager is hope with more excitement in it.
On the feelings wheel, hopeful sits under strong, next to confident, inspired. Finer words for it: optimistic, eager.
How it can show up
- You make plans again
- You can picture a better next month
- You feel lighter when you think about the future
- You want to start something
One small step
Write down one thing you are looking forward to and one small step toward it. Hope grows when it gets something to do.
The wake-up ratio: mornings, after lunch, before you need to show up.
A better question
What are you looking forward to, and what is one small step towards it?
Ask it yourself, or someone you care about.
A sentence for your lock screen
“I can see something good ahead.”
Questions
How do I feel hopeful again?
Often in small steps: something to look forward to, one person who believes in you, one small success. If hopelessness stays, talk to someone trained to help.
Is hope the same as wishful thinking?
No. Wishful thinking waits, hope acts. Hope comes with a next step.
Words close to hopeful
More feelings
OverwhelmedLonelyFrustratedResentfulInsecureWorriedIrritatedHurtLowConfusedGratefulContentProudRelievedPeaceful
Be kind to yourself
Naming a feeling can help, and it is not therapy. If a feeling is heavy for a long time, or you think about hurting yourself, please talk to someone trained to help: find a free helpline near you.