Where I find hope
There are many things that offer me hope in this life and when I recently thought about some of them and wrote them down on paper, I felt a sense of peace as they stirred such pleasant memories. Not surprisingly, I discover many sources of hope in Nature, as I have throughout my life, and never so much as now when my youth is long since gone. Here are some of them that I wrote down:
*** Sunrays reaching down to Earth from massive clouds. Every time I see sunrays I feel a sense of hope and elation. I saw sunrays spreading across the sky in Edmonds, Washington 26 years ago right after my father died. I felt hope that he was in a better place after a long struggle with cancer and that things would be okay.
*** Late afternoon sunlight filtering through ancient live oaks at the state park where on countless occasions I have sought refuge and sanctuary.
*** A beautiful, small waterfall that I come across unexpectedly while in the mountains. I often say to myself that there’s no more splendid and miraculous sight in Nature than a waterfall. It’s such a thrill to see them. All the cares of the world disappear while experiencing the cascading flow of water. It’s been almost ten years since I’ve been to the mountains. I really can’t go anywhere more than about ten miles from where I live these days because of my caregiving responsibilities.
*** Another mountain treasure that provides me with a strong sense of hope and peace is a gently flowing stream, its soft music transporting me away from on the cares of the world.
*** Magnificent, otherworldly sunsets at the waterfront or the lake near where I live
Sunset at The Battery, Charleston,SC
*** Finally, certain songs and pieces of instrumental music lift me up and away from feelings of depression and hopelessness. “I Can See Clearly Now,” sung by Johnny Nash, is my favorite song and to me embodies hope. The peaceful and transcendently beautiful, “Meditation from Thais,” by Jules Massenet and performed by either Sarah Chang or Bonfiglio on harmonica is the most beautiful music I have ever heard.
Sarah Chang
Bonfiglio
Johnny Nash — “I Can See Clearly Now”
Where do you find hope?
I find hope in change. Nothing stays the same – so I count on it. It’s nice to know that mystery and surprises are ahead.
@lakeland That’s a thought-provoking answer. Change can create new beginnings.
Warning Comment
I’m still looking for it.
Warning Comment
What a wonderful entry – I agree on the unexpected waterfalls, it always seems magical when you come across them in the woods.
@thediarymaster Thank you so much! I can’t tell you how much I miss visiting the NC mountains and seeing waterfalls. YouTube videos will suffice for now and thankful for that.
Warning Comment
I am lucky to live in an area where there are many small waterfalls. People come from all over to see them. Down the highway about one hour’s drive are the majestic Niagara Falls – especially awesome in winter when surrounded by natural ice formations.
@trunorth You are indeed very fortunate!
Warning Comment
I have found hope through the reading of your entry. There truly are beautiful and kind people in this world. You are one of them.
Warning Comment
I think you don’t find hope. The hope is there inside you waiting to come to the surface when you are inspired by such lovely sights.
@zhnee That’s a really interesting thought. I have to think about that! 🙂
Warning Comment
I once again received notification of your reply to my note but I cannot see anything. I let it go last time thinking maybe it was a fluke but I just finished opening a ticket with Support about it. It’s frustrating because I want to be able to read your responses. Wish me luck!
Warning Comment
thought I had already read this but it must have been on PB. Everyone needs hope, which sadly many in the world seem to struggle to find. One of the reasons I love sunrise so much ( even more than a sunset) is because to me it symbolizes hope…new beginnings and opportunities. For someone to lose hope is the saddest thing. Thanks for identifying your inspirations. hugs p
Warning Comment
Still haven’t heard back from Support about the issue of my not being able to see the replies you make to my notes. As soon as I hear something, I will let you know. I hope you and your mother are doing well and that you’ve had a bit of alone time here and there.
Warning Comment