I think I’ve been using the word “hope” wrong. I often use it interchangeably with “wish.” As in, “I hope you have a safe trip.”
Researcher and author, Brené Brown, describes hope as a cognitive process:
“But hope is not what most of us think it is. It’s not a warm, fuzzy emotion that fills us with a sense of possibility. Hope is a way of thinking – a cognitive process. Yes, emotions play a role, but hope is made up of what researcher, C.R. Snyder called a “trilogy of goals, pathways, and agency.”
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
When broken up that way, hope becomes more tangible to me. I have hope that my webinar on how to automate the creativity/ideation process goes well today. It’s a realistic goal. I have spent time breaking it down into its requisite parts. And I have practiced enough to believe I can do it.
It makes me look at the hope I’m feeling when I see signs of Spring all around me from a different lens.
The longer days give my more energy to set goals for travel and adventure. Even if it just means more walks with my kids after dinner.
Seeing the new life abound, especially ducklings and goslings, and little glimpses into the fledgling attempts to jump in to deep waters and navigate the world reminds me of how hard all this living and learning can be.
Witnessing the beautiful blooms break ground after time in the dark sparks so much resonance in me. I see the flow of life through both dark and light times.
Somehow I find the idea of hope as a cognitive process to be incredibly reassuring. Because we can learn hope from those around us – and from the beautiful signs of Spring.
May you find Hope within and around you!
(all photos in the post are mine)
I’ve posted a related piece on my personal blog: Faith in Foxholes
My other projects include hosting a podcast that features inspirational creatives and being part of a team that teaches/speaks about corporate creativity. My book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.
You can find me on Instagram and Twitter @wynneleon
I have wondered about hope for along time- seeming to have a distaste for it. It is nice to see a different view on it.
I thought it was a different view of it too. Thank you for reading and commenting
What a thought-provoking post to start my day.
I’m honored by your comment. Thank you, VJ!
My pleasure!
I never thought about it as a cognitive process before, but breaking it down into goals, pathways, makes it so much more actionable. I see hope in a new light now and Beautiful pics.
I’m glad you found it interesting, Muktaverma. I thought it was nice to have a new take on hope too. Thanks for the comment!
Hope as a cognitive process…love that. And all the best with the webinar today! 🥰
Thank you, dear Vicki!! XOXO
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Have you been reading my thoughts again Wynne. I use hope wrong all the time and I definitely love the way Brene Brown and you have re-positioned it. You’r right. When I think of it as a way of thinking, it’s much more tangible. I would add that it’s more practical and positive too. And good luck with your presentation, looks interesting.
Tangible — love that word for it, Brian! And any time I’m on the same thought track with you, I count it as good luck! 🙂
I loved the yellow flower mashaallah it’s so beautiful
Thank you!
I am feeling hope with the beauty around me, too. Especially with blossoms and birds. Although, I did spot a large bobcat on my camera at 4:30 a.m. today! I don’t know if I’d call the hope but rather exciting.
Blossoms and birds –but no bobcats! Right – very exciting. Thanks, Elizabeth!
Wow, so much food for thought, Wynne. As others have mentioned, I never thought about it as a cognitive process before. However, my actions might suggest otherwise… I’ll need to chew on this a bit. Really beautiful post.
Thank you, Erin. I thought it was interesting to drill into – I’m so glad you find it worth contemplating too.
You’re backing up what you said in your “foxhole” post… you’re looking around and seeing the miraculous. Thank you for this reminder that the miraculous around us awaits our eyes 🙂
Yes – the miraculous. Thank you, Dave!
I totally agree. In general, I think we can train ourselves to be hopeful people, especially when you consider it a cognitive process. It’s hopeful to know we have agency in our lives, we can set goals, and strategize. I also find nature very hopeful, especially the trees, and spans of water. I don’t know why this is so but it just is. Love the post especially for spring. Hugs, C
It just is — exactly right! Thank you, dear Cheryl!
A “trilogy of goals, pathways, and agency” – So good, Wynne. I will remember that the next time my boss says “Hope is not a plan.”
What a perfect comment. I’m giggling!
This is beautiful, I love your mindset!
Thank you, healthyhippie!
I listened today to the words of one of the main Italian intellectuals (Pierpaolo Pasolini) who has been killed in 1975. He said he lost hope for our world. After reading your post Wynne, I see hope under another point of view, and it makes more sense.
What an fascinating lens to look at that loss of hope from. Thank you for the great comment, Cristiana!
Hope. It is such an essential topic in our human lives. Thank you for bringing it up and touching it in this post.