Your Daily Dose of Hope

Your Future Self is Cheering You On EP 230 Dec 05, 2025

Today’s message is simple: your future self is already rooting for you. She’s standing somewhere up ahead, maybe six months, maybe six years, looking back with gratitude for the choices you’re making right now.

Time is kinda weird. As I get older, I look back now and see all the things I accomplished but didn’t celebrate. Things that had a huge impact on how my life is today. The 20 year old me would have never imagined where I am now. Even the 30 year old me didn’t know how many options and choices I really had.

Lean into what your future self wants you to know.

Every time you try, even if you don’t nail it… she cheers.Every time you say yes to something brave… she cheers.Every time you rest because you needed it… she definitely cheers.

Hope grows when you remember that your story isn’t finished. There are versions of you you haven’t met yet—wiser, calmer, more confident, more joyful. She doesn’t need you to be perfect today. She just needs you to keep going.

So today, imagine her. See her smiling at you, waving you forward, whispering, “Keep going. You’re doing better than you think.”

Let that be your hope today. The future you is already celebrating the present you.

The Small Win You Almost Missed EP 229 Dec 04, 2025

Let’s talk about small wins, the ones so tiny you often step right over them while waiting for something “big” to happen.

You cleaned out one drawer? Win.You sent the email you’ve been avoiding? Win.You drank water before coffee? Win.

You worked out when you didn’t feel like it? Olympic-level win.

We underestimate the power of small wins because they don’t feel dramatic. But hope grows from momentum, not magnitude. Every tiny action that moves you forward, even one inch signals to your brain, “Hey, we’re doing this. We’re actually doing this!”

It builds self-trust. It builds confidence. It builds… you guessed it… hope.

So today, celebrate one small win. It can be laughably small. “I folded one shirt.” “I walked to the mailbox.” “I was on time for my meeting.” There are so many everyday things that we do for ourselves and for others. Pick one and celebrate it, just for a minute.

Hope isn’t built in sweeping gestures, it’s built in the quiet stacking of small wins that turn into big change.

Pick your win today. Notice it. Appreciate it. Let it count.

When Hope is Low Borrow Mine EP 228 Dec 03, 2025

Some days, your hope tank is low. Not empty, not yet, but very much blinking on the dashboard like, “Hey friend, we should probably stop soon.”

On those days, it’s okay to borrow hope.

Borrow it from a friend who believes in you. Borrow it from a past version of yourself who pushed through something hard. Borrow it from the future you who knows everything is going to work out.

Borrow it from that thing you’re dreaming about, the one that lights you up even if you still don’t know exactly how you’ll make it happen.

Or borrow mine.

I believe in second chances, detours, new chapters, and the magic of trying again. I believe in divine timing and in the tiny moments that become turning points. I believe that you are not behind—you’re becoming.

So if your hope tank is low today, let me lend you some of mine. Hold onto it as long as you need. There’s more where that came from.

And when your tank is full again? Pass it on.

The Glorious Mess of Being Human EP 227 Dec 02, 2025

Let’s have a moment of truth: nobody, and I mean nobody, has it together as much as they pretend to. Some of us are just better at disguising or hiding the chaos.

And you know what? That’s hopeful.

Because hope doesn’t require you to be perfect. It doesn’t even require “mostly fine.” Hope just needs one thing: your willingness to keep going even when you're a slightly overcaffeinated mess.

I find this so encouraging. I don’t have to be perfect which is great because I’m definitely not. I don’t have to have everything figured out or know all the answers.

I can be a hot mess and still have hope. In fact, that’s probably when I’m most hopeful because things HAVE to get better, right?

Today I want you to give yourself permission to be human. Humans spill coffee. Humans forget passwords. Humans start laundry and then discover it three days later in the washer. I can’t be the only person who does that.

Humans have big dreams and goals and awesome ideas and sometimes we have tiny meltdowns or even big meltdowns when everything feels hard.

The good news: hope lives inside that messiness. It lives in the moment you laugh at yourself instead of criticizing yourself. It lives in the decision to try again. It lives in the part of you that whispers, “Okay… maybe I can do this after all.”

So today, be human. Not perfect. Not polished. Just human. There’s so much hope in that.

The Hope You Didn’t Know You Asked For EP 226 Dec 01, 2025

Today I want to talk about the kind of hope that sneaks up on you, like an Amazon package you forgot you ordered. That can’t just be me right?

One day it’s not there, the next day… surprise! A box of possibility sitting on your doorstep.

Hope often doesn’t show up with trumpets or big declarations. Sometimes it tiptoes quietly with a little nudge. It’s the little shift, the tiny spark, the “hmm… maybe…” thought that wasn’t there yesterday.

Maybe you’ve been waiting for something to change and if feels like nothing is happening or happening fast enough. But if you look closely, there’s usually some small sign that things aren’t as stuck as they feel.

It’s time to pay attention to that new idea. A different perspective. One tiny sign of encouragement you didn’t expect.

Here’s the magic: hope expands when you acknowledge it. When you say, “Oh hey, I see you,” it grows. Not because conditions instantly change, but because you change. Your posture shifts. You lift your head. You try again. You remember that you’re an amazing person who deserves all the good things life can offer.

So today, I want you to look for the hope you didn’t know you ordered. It might be disguised as a compliment from a stranger, a moment of clarity in the shower, a burst of energy that hasn’t been around lately or simply a quiet knowing that you’re not done yet, and life isn’t done with you.

Hope shows up when you expect it to be there.

Taking Inventory of Your Year so Far EP 225 Nov 28, 2025

The day after Thanksgiving is its own kind of moment. The big meal is over, the dishes are (mostly) done, and the world starts shifting into the next season. But before you move on, take one more breath of gratitude.

Look at how far you’ve come this year. Look at what you’ve carried, what you’ve learned, and what you didn’t think you could handle but did.

What surprised you? What challenged you? Where did things go better than planned? It’s all part of the journey and when we can stop and look back, not to judge, but to appreciate even the tough moments don’t feel quite so hard anymore.

Gratitude isn’t a day on the calendar. It’s a muscle. And every time you use it, you build resilience, hope, and steadiness.

Today’s Hope Reminder:

Carry thankfulness with you. Let it be your compass for the rest of the year, gentle, steady, and always leading you toward hope.

A Thanksgiving Gratitude EP 224 Nov 27, 2025

Today is Thanksgiving, a day built around one beautiful invitation: pause and give thanks. Not because everything is perfect, but because gratitude helps us see clearly.

Here’s what I’m thankful for today:

The people at my table, the ones I miss, the ones who shaped me, and the ones I get to love.

The work that lets me use my gifts.

The quiet mornings, the warm cup of tea, the laughs, the second chances, the fresh starts, the hard lessons that made me softer and stronger.

Wherever you are today, with a full house, a quiet room, or somewhere in between, I hope you feel connected to something bigger than the moment.

Today’s Hope Reminder:

Gratitude is a light. Even the smallest spark can illuminate an entire day.

Finding Thankfulness in Imperfect Seasons EP 223 Nov 26, 2025

Gratitude isn’t reserved for the days when everything lines up perfectly. Honestly, those days are rare. More often, life is messy, unpredictable, and full of unfinished to-dos.

But here’s the truth: you can feel overwhelmed and still be grateful. You can wish things were different and still appreciate what’s here.

This week, I felt stretched thin — too many tasks, not enough time. But then I realized: being busy means I’m trusted, needed, growing. That shift changed everything.

Different seasons bring new people into our lives and new challenges too. I want to remember that there’s always possibility and things for which I can be thankful.

Today’s Hope Reminder:

You don’t have to choose between struggle and gratitude. They can coexist. And when they do, hope has room to breathe.

Gratitude for People Who Show Up EP 222 Nov 25, 2025

Let’s talk about the people who don’t ask for attention but deserve it, the quiet supporters, the ones who check in, who send a text, who remember what matters to you.

Last week someone said, “I thought of you when I saw this,” and sent a photo of something small but meaningful. It shifted my entire day. Gratitude is powerful because it connects us. It reminds us we’re not doing life alone.

There are so many people who impact our day, that we never really talk to. The person who brings the mail, or preps the carryout, or the guy at Kroger who shops for me so I don’t have to, I am especially grateful for that.

It’s a reminder that we’re all connected, even in ways we don’t even know.

Think of one person who has shown up for you this year. Maybe they didn’t fix anything. Maybe they simply sat with you. That counts. That matters deeply.

Today’s Hope Reminder:

Say thank you — even silently. Gratitude strengthens the threads between us.

The Quiet Kind of Gratitude EP 221 Nov 24, 2025

Sometimes gratitude doesn’t show up as fireworks. It’s softer than that. It’s the moment you catch your breath in the middle of a busy day and think, “I’m glad I get to do this.”

This happened to me recently while folding laundry, yes, laundry. I was folding towels, warm out of the dryer and I realized that the sunshine was coming through the window, and it hit me that this was a good day.

Nothing grand. Nothing fancy. Just… good. I know I’m fortunate. I get to do work I love, on my own terms (mostly) and I have lots of options and choices about how to plan my time.

Owning your own business gives you flexibility but that also comes with things like making payroll and taking care of tax paperwork and all the admin that’s required. No complaints, but at time, it’s a lot.

Today I want to remember why I chose this life and be thankful for how things have gone so far. Nothing is guaranteed; that’s for sure but I know how grateful I am for where things are today.

It’s a reminder to me that gratitude doesn’t need big moments; it thrives in the smallest ones. When we honor those tiny wins, we build an inner foundation that steadies us when life gets loud or complicated.

Today’s Hope Reminder:

Slow down long enough to notice one ordinary moment that feels good. Let it be enough. Let it remind you that goodness exists right here, right now.

Why Trying Is an Act of Hope EP 220 Nov 21, 2025

There’s something powerful about the moment you decide to try—when you apply, raise your hand, throw your hat into the ring, or simply show up. It’s easy to underestimate that moment because results get all the attention. But the truth is, trying is its own declaration.

I once knew someone who applied for a role she wasn’t sure she’d get. She almost talked herself out of it—too many reasons why it wasn’t the “right time.” But she hit submit anyway. She didn’t end up getting that particular opportunity… but the people who reviewed her application kept her in mind. Months later, they reached out about a different role—one that was an even better fit.

Trying matters because it signals something important:You believe there is a possibility worth reaching for.You’re willing to bet on yourself.You’re open to being seen.

And that says everything about who you are—someone who chooses movement over fear, action over hesitation, hope over self-doubt.

When you try, the outcome isn’t the whole story.The act itself is a statement: I’m here. I’m willing. I’m ready for more.

So today’s reminder is simple—try.Your effort is already evidence of hope.

The Email That Changed Someone’s Day EP 219 Nov 20, 2025

A colleague of mine once told me she was having a terrible week—one of those “everything is too much” stretches. She wasn’t sleeping well, her projects were overwhelming, and she felt invisible in her own work.

Then someone she barely knew sent a simple email:“I saw what you shared last week. It really helped me. Thank you.”

She cried reading it. Not because it solved anything, but because it reminded her that she mattered, that her work was landing somewhere, with someone.

Several people have messaged me about these short episodes and told me that it helped them on a particularly tough day, and it means the world to me that a short message could find someone when they needed to hear it.

Hope doesn’t always come from inside; sometimes it arrives through other people. A word, a kindness, a recognition.

And here’s the thing: you can be that spark for someone else.You can send the email.You can give the compliment.You can acknowledge the thing someone is doing well.

Today, let hope move in both directions—receive it, and pass it on.

My Christmas Cactus Survival Story EP 218 Nov 19, 2025

My Christmas cactus plant is going on 10 years old I think. It’s been repotted a couple of times and it’s huge. For the most part, I don’t have to do much, in fact I think sometimes I overwater it, but it perseveres.

A couple months ago I went to move it over so I could water it and a piece fell off. It was pretty big, a couple of inches long with 2 little branches. I don’t know why but I picked it up and stuck it into some potting soil in a tiny pot.

It looked terrible. I had my doubts it was going to make it. I didn’t really notice it for a week or so and then the next time I looked, it had sprouted new growth and now I think even the tiny piece that broke off is going to bloom.

It’s my reminder that 1. Nature doesn’t need me hovering over it to grow and thrive and 2. Sometimes broken things turn into something new.

Sometimes, hope looks like this: unexpected growth in the places we weren’t paying attention to.

We can try so hard to force progress. To fix it. To rush it. To manage every outcome. But growth has its own timing. Healing has its own rhythm.

Maybe the thing you’re worried about just needs a little space. A shift. A moment without pressure.

Today’s hope: things can revive—even when you’ve almost given up on them.

The Day the Sun Broke Through EP 217 Nov 18, 2025

There was a week recently where everything felt gray, literally and figuratively. Endless clouds, frustrating delays, plans falling apart. You know those stretches where it feels like the universe is hitting “pause” on everything you’re trying to do?

Then, midweek, after days of gloom, the sun broke through. Not for long, maybe twenty minutes, but long enough that I noticed and then things shifted.

It’s a frequent reminder that there’s a lot of life we will never be able to control, the weather is definitely part of that list, but I can decide how I want to show up.

Gloomy days are going to happen, and sometimes things aren't going to work out. But sometimes, they do.

And here’s what sticks with me: I get to choose. When things work out, the sun is shining and everything goes smoothy, I’m still the same person who sometimes feels tired and wants to curl up with a good book when it’s pouring down rain.

I get to choose and at the end of the day, that’s hope.Not the permanent sunshine.Just the reminder that brightness still exists, and will return and rainy days are going to happen and I am still okay.

If you’re in a gray patch right now, hang on. Clouds move. Seasons shift. Light always finds its way back.

Look for your twenty minutes of sun today. It might be all you need.

The Power of One Small Yes EP 216 Nov 17, 2025

Sometimes hope shows up disguised as a tiny yes. A yes to try. A yes to show up. A yes to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could shift.

I think of my friend who’d been sitting on her business idea for years. She didn’t launch the whole thing at once. She didn’t overhaul her life. She simply said yes to taking one small step: joining a local workshop. That single action opened a door… which led to a conversation… which led to a collaboration… which led to her first paying client.

She was willing to put in the effort, and put herself in the position to take the next step and then the next one after that.

Hope didn’t arrive for her as fireworks or a big change all at once. It arrived as a whisper and an opportunity. A nudge.A small yes.

If you’re waiting for a big sign, here’s your reminder: big things are built from a series of tiny affirmations. Hope grows every time you choose to move one step forward.

What’s one small yes you can give yourself today?

My 5 Favorite Things Right Now EP 215 Nov 14, 2025

Today I’m going to do something a bit different. I want to share my 5 favorite things that I appreciate right now. It’s not an exhaustive list. I’m fortunate and grateful for lots of good things in my life. This is just a list of things that I find myself turning to often these days.

Columbus Public Library. I hope where you live you have access to a library like I do. Here in Columbus, it’s a great resource and I appreciate having access to books of course, but also other resources that help me with my business and even spaces I can use to meet up with friends and business peers.
Breakfast with Kelvin. We kinda fell into this routine a while ago and I really like it. We cook and eat breakfast together most days of the week. It’s a great way to start the day, breakfast is the most important meal after all.
Sweater weather. Copying the popular SNL skit is fun! I don’t mind cooler weather and even a bit of cold weather. I hate being hot, so the chance to have cool weather and pull out a cozy sweater or two is awesome.
Being creative without judgement. I’ve talked before about my crafting. It’s something I do for me, a little creative outlet and I really enjoy it. What’s also nice is that I have given myself permission to try things I’m not good at without judgment. Believe me, my projects aren’t anything spectacular, and that’s okay.
Being part of a community of other women business owners. I’m fortunate to be a member in 2 organizations where I can connect with other women who are running a business. It’s a great reminder that we don’t have to do everything on our own.

What 5 things are working in your life right now? Don’t judge or curate. What popped in your head first? Life is filled with little (and some big) things that can allow us to ease up a bit and, embrace a bit of hope.

Your Hope To Do List EP 214 Nov 13, 2025

I LOVE a good to-do list. Maybe a little bit too much. I often create lists to help me get all the things out of my brain and into some kind of list that I can then see clearly.

What’ important? What can what? What do I need help with?

A good list can help you see what’s possible too. Not just things to do but things to appreciate and enjoy.

That’s the inspiration for this episode: I’m sharing a hope-to-do list.

Notice small joys. That morning light, the laughter, the kindness, hope grows in the ordinary moments we choose to see.

Speak encouragement, to yourself and others. Hope multiplies when it’s shared out loud.

Rest. Hope isn’t about endless hustle. It’s the quiet trust that things will unfold, even when we pause.

Stay curious. Ask what if it works out? instead of assuming it won’t.

Create something. A note, a meal, a plan, a dream. Creation is hope made visible.

Reach out. Hope thrives in connection, in a text, a smile, or a “thinking of you.”

Remember what you’ve overcome. You’ve already walked through hard things and found your way forward. That’s living proof of hope.

Believe in better days. Not because everything is easy, but because hope insists that better is still possible.

✨ Keep this list where you’ll see it often. Hope isn’t a feeling we wait for — it’s a practice we choose, one small action at a time.

What Season Are You In? EP 213 Nov 12, 2025

This has been a beautiful autumn where I live. It’s one of my favorite times of the year because it’s so pretty and it brings me back to memories of high school football games, and bonfires with friends and lots of other fall related experiences.

I get to pull out my favorite sweater and wrap up and it suits me in so many ways. I really love it.

It’s also a reminder of seasonality, the ever changing, forward momentum of all the things. Shorter days, colorful leaves, changes in the landscape, even the color of the sky looks different as we move from summer to fall and now it is nearing winter.

This is a reminder to me and you to embrace the season of life you’re in right now. I know for too long, I was always looking for the next season, the next thing, the next goal or job or big life moment.

It’s natural to want to look ahead with anticipation, but today I hope you’ll take a few minutes to appreciate the season you find yourself in, right now.

Acknowledge where you are and what’s good about it. How did you get here? Can you look back and recognize a few key choices that helped you along the way?

Who is in your circle of trusted friends and family right now? How do they help you and what do you appreciate about them?

When we can be comfortable where we are and grateful for what we have, we can also have the courage and confidence to embrace it, enjoy it and for a little while, really live in the now.

Tomorrow will arrive and there’ll be a time to look forward but today I hope you’ll be able to see how amazing right now is for you.

Veterans Day and The Quiet Power of Hope EP 212 Nov 11, 2025

Today we honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces.

Service asks for courage, discipline, and sacrifice, but it also requires something quieter and often overlooked: hope.

Hope that their efforts will protect others.

Hope that peace is possible, even when conflict says otherwise.

Hope that the world can move toward something better, one difficult step at a time.

Veterans remind us that hope is not soft or passive.

It's steady.

It's resilient.

It's the belief that the work is worth doing, even when the outcome isn't guaranteed.

Service is never just about duty.

It’s about believing in something bigger than yourself.

It’s about showing up even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

It’s about trust, resilience, and choosing purpose over comfort.

That is hope in action.

The Difference between Hope and Optimism EP 211 Nov 10, 2025

“Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” — Vaclav Havel

This is one of my favorite reminders about hope.

Optimism assumes the ending will be good.

Hope says, even if it isn’t, the journey still matters.

Hope is what lets us keep showing up, even when the results are uncertain.

It’s what fuels creativity, connection, and courage, the quiet belief that what we do has meaning, even when the outcome is out of our control.

We don’t hope because we know how things will turn out.

We hope because it helps us make sense of why we keep going.

It’s a reminder that the journey, the day-to-day things we do and care about and put energy toward are the reason. The doing is what brings the hope or sometimes it’s the hope that helps us keep doing the things.

I don’t believe life is meant to be a constant struggle. We’re meant to find joy and happiness in the everyday things we do and see and experience in our lives.

I know these days, things don’t always make sense or it’s hard to see the good when there’s so much turmoil. That’s when hope can sustain us, remind us that we can decide how we spend our time, our energy and where we put our focus.

I hope today, you can choose hope and know that your efforts make a difference, even if you can’t always see it.

Let It Be Easy (Even Just for Today) EP 210 Nov 07, 2025

Hey friend, here’s your Daily Dose of Hope — a little reminder that you don’t earn extra points for making everything hard.

Ease isn’t laziness — it’s wisdom. It’s choosing peace over perfection.

So today, pick the simpler path. Say no where you can. Let someone help.

Because hope has room to breathe when you stop holding your breath.

Let it be easy. Even just for today.

You’re Not Behind EP 209 Nov 06, 2025

Hey friend, it’s time for your Daily Dose of Hope. And this one’s for the part of you that feels like you’re somehow falling behind.

You’re not. You’re right on time.

I know it’s easy to look around and feel like everyone else has it figured out. You scroll, and you see someone launching something new, someone getting promoted, someone crossing the finish line you didn’t even know you were racing toward.

And that quiet voice in your head says, “Why not me?” “When will it be my turn?”

Here’s the truth —you’re not late. You’re building something that takes time.

Some seasons are about sprinting. Others are about planting. You might be in your planting season right now — and that’s okay. Roots have to grow before anything blooms.

The world moves fast, but your soul doesn’t. Your pace is not a problem; it’s your power.

Every pause, every delay, every detour —it’s shaping you in ways the fast lane never could.

So instead of asking “Why am I not there yet?” try asking, “What am I learning right now that I couldn’t have learned any other way?”

Because one day soon, you’ll look back and realize — you weren’t behind. You were being prepared. You were becoming the person who could handle what’s next.

You’re not late to your life. You’re right on time. And hope —hope is always waiting exactly where you are.

The Comeback Starts Quietly EP 208 Nov 05, 2025

Hey there, it’s time for your Daily Dose of Hope. Consider this your quiet permission slip to begin again.

You don’t have to make a big announcement about your comeback. Just start.

Take the smallest next step — reply, apply, record, reach out. Momentum loves motion. And it doesn’t care how messy it looks.

This is your reminder: You don’t need a new plan. You just need to begin again.

Your comeback has already started — one small step at a time.

Borrow My Belief in You EP 207 Nov 04, 2025

Here’s your Daily Dose of Hope — and today, you can borrow a little belief from me.

If you’re doubting yourself right now, that’s okay. I’ll hold the belief for you until you’re ready again.

I’ve seen enough people rise after the stumble to know this: Confidence can come later. Courage comes first.

So keep going. You’re building proof every single day that you can do this.

When you can’t see your own light, borrow mine for a bit. I’ll hand it back when you’re ready.

You’ve got this. And I believe in you.

You Don’t Have to Be On Fire to Be Doing Fine EP 206 Nov 03, 2025

Some days, you’re just… okay. Not soaring. Not sinking. Just somewhere in the middle.

And that’s actually a win.

We live in a world that celebrates being “on fire,” but quiet consistency — showing up even when it’s not shiny —that’s the real magic.

If you got out of bed. Answered that email. Kept a promise to yourself.

You’re doing great.

Progress doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s just a whisper that says, “I’m still here.”

Keep going. You’re doing better than you think.

What 200 Episodes of Hope Have Taught Me EP 205 Oct 31, 2025

Two hundred episodes. That’s a lot of words, a lot of mornings, and a lot of hope.

When I started Daily Dose of Hope, I wasn’t sure how long I’d keep going—or if people would even want this kind of content in their feeds. The world can feel cynical, and hope sometimes gets dismissed as fluffy or naive.

But here’s what I’ve learned after 200 episodes:

People are more open to hope than we think. Cynicism isn’t the default—it’s just louder. Most of us want to believe that things can get better, that kindness still matters, and that our small efforts add up.
Hope resonates quietly but deeply. People reach out—often privately—to say an episode helped them through a tough day, or reminded them they’re not alone. That tells me there’s a real hunger for positive, thoughtful content. We’re all looking for light.
Consistency beats perfection. I’ve learned I can do things, stick with them, and let them be easy. Hope doesn’t demand flawless—it just asks for presence.

Hope isn’t just a theme anymore—it’s a practice. A way of seeing the world that keeps me grounded, curious, and connected.

Here’s to 200 more little reminders that hope is still here, still worth talking about, and still contagious.

Stay Curious, My Friends EP 204 Oct 30, 2025

Who was the first person to look at a fried piece of dough, covered in sugar, and think, “You know what this needs? Jelly. Inside.”

That’s the kind of curiosity I want in my life.

Someone looked at something already good — a donut! — and still imagined how it could be better. That’s not greed, that’s creativity. That’s the spark that keeps us moving forward, asking, “What if?”

Curiosity is one of the most hopeful traits we have. It means we believe there’s more to learn, more to explore, more to delight in. It reminds us that discovery doesn’t always require a lab coat — sometimes it just takes a little wonder and a willingness to play.

So next time you’re stuck, ask the jelly donut question:👉 What could make this even better?

You might surprise yourself. And who knows — maybe your next great idea starts with a little bit of sugar and a dash of “why not?”

Stay curious. Stay hopeful. And maybe treat yourself to a donut — for research purposes, of course.

When the World Feels Heavy EP 203 Oct 29, 2025

Some days, the news is almost too much to bear. Images of war, suffering, and loss flood our screens, and we’re left holding emotions too big for our hearts — anger, grief, disappointment, helplessness.

It’s human to feel all of it. You’re not broken for being upset, or for feeling powerless to change what’s happening. Those emotions are signals that you care deeply — that your heart is still tender in a world that can feel harsh. That’s not weakness. That’s evidence of hope.

Here’s what helps when everything feels too big to fix:

Pause before reacting. Take a breath. Step away from the endless scroll. The world doesn’t need your burnout; it needs your presence.
Do one small thing that helps. Donate. Call your representatives. Offer kindness in your community. Action transforms helplessness into purpose.
Connect with others. Talk about what you’re feeling. Collective care is how we hold the weight together.
Protect your energy. It’s okay to limit your exposure to the news or take a break. Hope requires rest.

You don’t have to solve everything to make a difference.

Even small gestures — listening, helping, praying, creating, or simply refusing to turn numb — are acts of resistance against despair.

When the world feels heavy, remember: your empathy is proof that light still exists. Hold onto that spark. That’s where hope begins.

Why We’re Craving In-Person Connection EP 202 Oct 28, 2025

After years of screens, schedules, and virtual everything, something in us is shifting. We’re craving in-person experiences again — real laughter that echoes, hugs that last longer than a second, eye contact that says “I see you.”

It’s not just nostalgia. It’s hope.

When we gather in person, we’re reminded that we belong to something bigger than our to-do lists and inboxes. We see possibility reflected in someone else’s story. We witness resilience not as a concept, but as a living, breathing example sitting right across the table.

Connection fuels hope. It reminds us that we’re not alone in our striving or our healing. Being together — in conversation, celebration, or collaboration — reignites that spark that says, “Maybe things can get better. Maybe I can try again.”

That’s why people are showing up for summits, retreats, coffee meetups, and dinners again. It’s not just networking or nostalgia — it’s a return to belonging. It’s the human heartbeat saying: I still believe in us.

So when you get the invitation — say yes. When you feel the pull to organize a gathering — follow it. Every time we choose connection, we’re planting seeds of hope for what’s next.

Why Hope is Worth Nurturing EP 201 Oct 27, 2025

Hope doesn’t just happen—it’s something we grow. Like a plant reaching for the light, it needs attention, warmth, and care.

When life feels uncertain or heavy, it’s tempting to believe that hope is naive or unrealistic. But hope isn’t blind optimism—it’s a quiet form of courage. It’s the belief that something good can still emerge, even when things are challenging or unpredictable.

When we nurture hope, we give ourselves permission to imagine better days. We allow creativity, problem-solving, and resilience to take root. We stop focusing solely on what’s broken and start seeing what might be possible.

Hope reminds us that progress is rarely linear. It’s often messy, slow, and full of detours. But each time you choose to tend your hope—to water it with gratitude, protect it with boundaries, and share it with others—you strengthen your ability to weather life’s storms.

So, today, ask yourself: what does hope need from you right now?

Maybe it’s rest. Maybe it’s connection. Maybe it’s simply the reminder that you’ve made it through hard things before—and you will again.

Hope isn’t fragile. It’s renewable. And the more you nurture it, the more it nurtures you back.

The Gentle Practice of Self-Compassion EP 200 Oct 24, 2025

Resilience doesn’t mean pushing through everything without rest. True resilience makes room for self-compassion.

Hope doesn’t demand perfection, it invites presence. When you treat yourself kindly after a mistake, you’re planting seeds of daily hope that remind you: you’re human, and that’s enough.Self-compassion isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. It tells your mind, “You can try again tomorrow.”

It's also about being kind to ourselves. As a life-long self-critic, who regularly had mental chatter about how I wasn’t good enough, or doing enough, or pretty enough, or fill in the blank …. I know how hard it is to shift that track, to change the narrative.

But it’s so worth it. Beating yourself up doesn’t make you better, it makes you smaller, often timid and always under valuing who you are and what you have to offer.

I’m reminded of the quote by Brené Brown: ”Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” This weekend, practice being on your own side. Speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend who’s trying their best. Because hope grows fastest in soil that’s tended with grace. My wish for all of us is to see ourselves with the grace and kindness we see the people we love.

Being Open to the New EP 199 Oct 23, 2025

Hope thrives in open spaces, those moments when we loosen our grip on what’s familiar and make room for what might be next. Being open to new ideas, opportunities, and perspectives doesn’t mean we’re flaky or unfocused. It means we trust that growth won’t undo us, it will evolve us.

It’s common cling to what we know because it feels safe. We all do it, even when that “safe” thing has stopped serving us, it’s still predictable. But daily hope asks us to trade certainty for curiosity. It says, “What if there’s something better waiting on the other side of this?”

Hope is not blind optimism, it’s a willingness to imagine something different. When you try a new approach, entertain a fresh idea, or allow someone else’s insight to shift your own, you’re practicing resilience. You’re telling life, “I’m still willing to learn.”

Maybe it’s time to say yes to the thing you’ve been hesitating on. a collaboration, a creative project, a new habit, or even a new way of thinking about yourself. Being open doesn’t mean you abandon your values; it means you let them expand.

Today, choose one area of your life where you’ve been stuck in routine and invite in possibility. Ask “what if?” instead of “why bother?” and see what unfolds.

The world is full of unopened doors, some creak, some glide, some require a shove, but all of them lead somewhere new. Step toward one today with a curious heart and let hope walk beside you.

The Generosity of Spirit EP 198 Oct 22, 2025

Generosity isn’t just about money or time, it’s about energy. When you share encouragement, offer understanding, or give someone the benefit of the doubt, you are practicing the kind of generosity that multiplies hope.In a world that feels quick to criticize every act of kindness is an act of rebellion. It says, “I choose connection over cynicism.”What if today you gave a little more grace, to yourself and to others? What if you assumed people were doing their best, even when it’s hard to see?

Assuming positive intent has helped me in so many situations. It can be easy to assume the worst out of self-protection. No one wants to be taken advantage of, or be on the receiving end of someone else’s bad day.

But a few moments of grace, giving someone else the benefit of the doubt before jumping to conclusions often allows everyone to lean into kindness.

Hope grows in generous spaces. The more we give it away, the more it returns.

Here’s to a day of kindness and generosity and an even better tomorrow.

Resilience Is a Muscle EP 197 Oct 21, 2025

We talk about resilience like it’s something you’re born with, but it’s more like a muscle, you build it through use. Every time life throws something unexpected your way, and you bend instead of break, that’s resilience strengthening beneath the surface.

You might not notice it in the moment, but later you realize: “I handled that. I’m stronger now.” That’s daily resilience, steady, practiced, earned. You have a lifetime of proof that you have already overcome hardships, you’ve made it through disappointments, and you’re still here.

The next time you face a setback, imagine yourself in training. Not for hardships, but for growth. You are continuing to learn endurance, patience, and adaptability, qualities that hope feeds and nurtures.

Resilience isn’t about never falling apart. It’s about trusting that you can gather yourself again, piece by piece, and still move forward. And that trust? That’s pure hope.

In a perfect world, we’d never have a bad day, or a setback or a disappointment, but now and then we all do. That’s when your resilience muscle helps you take next steps and reminds you that this isn’t permanent.

I hope today is the best day ever, and I’m sending you hope for an even better tomorrow.

The Quiet Strength of Hope EP 196 Oct 20, 2025

Hope isn’t loud. It doesn’t always shout or sparkle. Sometimes it’s the quiet decision to get up again after a sleepless night, to open your laptop, to journal how you’re feeling, or to reach out and ask for help, or maybe it’s taking one small step forward when your heart feels heavy.That’s the real power of daily hope, the kind that whispers, “Try again,” even when you’d rather hide. Hope doesn’t erase pain or frustration. It walks beside them and says, “You’re not done yet.”

When we choose hope over despair, we’re practicing courage. It’s not optimism in disguise; it’s resilience in motion. Each time you reach for hope, you’re proving that your future still matters more than your fear.Today, notice the quiet ways hope shows up: in a kind text, a small success, a deep breath. Let it remind you that progress rarely looks perfect—but it’s still progress.

Hope lives in the everyday moments when we choose to show up even when it’s hard, or when we’re worried or fearful. That’s when hope can sustain us the most.

This has been one of the things that has surprised me most on this daily dose of hope journey; the way I’ve sometimes felt most hopeful has been when things are less than perfect.

It has reminded me that it’s all about action, choosing to move forward, with hope no matter what I’m facing.

I hope today brings you joy and happiness and here’s to an even better tomorrow.

The Magic of Art Journaling EP 195 Oct 17, 2025

I’ve shared before about my art practice – which isn’t all that fancy. I essentially have enjoyed creating collages out of papers I’ve painted or doodled on or stamped or a combination of all of the above.

That got me looking at videos about junk journals and art journals. I’ll share my 2 favorite YT channels if this is something you want to explore and I hope you do.

Art journaling isn’t about being an artist. It’s about giving your inner world a place to breathe.

When you open that blank page, you’re not trying to make something perfect, you’re making something true. A swirl of color, a torn piece of paper, a messy line of words — all of it becomes a record of how you felt in that moment.

The Quiet Power of Helping Others EP 194 Oct 16, 2025

Helping others doesn’t just make the world better — it makes us better.

Way back in episode 5, I shared the HOPE acronym that my friend O’tion created. It stands for Help One Person Everyday and I wanted to remind myself and you why that’s so important, not just for others but for ourselves.

When we reach out a hand, offer a kind word, or share what we know, something subtle but powerful happens. We stop focusing on what we lack and start noticing what we already have to give.

Helping others builds connection. It reminds us we’re not meant to do life alone.

It sparks gratitude, because generosity and appreciation are two sides of the same coin.

And it often gives us the perspective we didn’t even know we needed.

Creating Fall Traditions (That Actually Fill You Up) EP 193 Oct 15, 2025

There’s something about fall that invites us to slow down. The air changes, the light softens, and suddenly it feels like permission to breathe a little deeper.

This season, instead of rushing through to the holidays, what if you created small, intentional fall traditions — not because you should, but because they remind you what matters most?

Think simple, sensory rituals:

Lighting a candle before you start work each morning

Taking a weekend walk just to hear the crunch of leaves

Hosting a “soup night” with friends instead of a fancy dinner

Spending one hour a week offline, reading something for you

Do something creative that you enjoy. Give yourself permission to create without judgement.

Traditions don’t have to be elaborate or inherited; they can be born from what feels grounding and joyful right now.

The beauty of fall is that it reminds us: change can be cozy.

So, what new practice could you start this season that helps you reconnect with yourself, your people, and the present moment?

What Our Pets Can Teach Us About Being Present EP 192 Oct 14, 2025

Our pets don’t worry about tomorrow’s to-do list or replay yesterday’s mistakes. They live entirely in this moment — the warm patch of sun on the floor, the sound of your voice, the joy of a walk or a nap.

When you think about it, that’s a kind of wisdom most of us spend years trying to relearn.

A dog never checks her phone mid-snuggle. A cat doesn’t wonder if she’s productive enough while she’s stretched out in total relaxation. They simply are.

Our pets remind us that presence isn’t about doing nothing — it’s about fully experiencing what’s in front of us. The meal. The walk. The person (or creature) beside us.

Hope Is Not Optimism It's a Discipline EP 191 Oct 13, 2025

We're diving into something that's been on a lot of our minds lately: how do we hold onto hope when the world feels like it's spinning out of control?

I recently came across a powerful piece by Shannon Watts—author, activist, and founder of Moms Demand Action—about her own journey with hope over the past two years. And what she has to say might surprise you, because this isn't about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine.

Full post here https://shannonwatts.substack.com/p/what-to-do-when-the-world-feels-like

World Mental Health Day: Two Small Shifts That Matter EP 190 Oct 10, 2025

Today is World Mental Health Day, a reminder that our mental health deserves the same attention, care, and respect we give to our physical health.

We often think about mental health in terms of crisis or diagnosis, but most of the time, it's about the small, daily choices we make that either nourish or deplete us. Here are two practical things you can start doing today that actually make a difference.

A Note to the Person Who Always Puts Others First EP 189 Oct 09, 2025

You've been taught that selflessness is a virtue. That good people sacrifice. That love means putting others' needs before your own. And there's truth in that, generosity and care are beautiful things.

But somewhere along the way, you learned that your needs come last. Or maybe that they don't come at all.

If you’ve ever felt that way, this is for you.

3 Fixes for Restless Boredom (No Phone Required) EP 188 Oct 08, 2025

You know that itchy, restless feeling when you're bored but nothing sounds appealing, often it shows up for me when I have loads of things to do, but my brain is telling me it’s not interesting or exciting.

When boredom shows up we all know where we usually turn: straight to our phones for a hit of easy distraction. But that rarely helps. Today I’ve got three alternatives that can actually help.

The Art of Apologizing: What Real Forgiveness Requires EP 187 Oct 07, 2025

We talk a lot about forgiveness as something victims should offer, as if it's primarily about letting go for your own peace of mind. But we rarely talk enough about what forgiveness requires from the other side: a genuine, meaningful apology from the person who caused harm.

If you find yourself needing to apologize, don't wait for the perfect words. They don't exist. What exists is your willingness to be honest, humble, and accountable.

That's where real apologies live—and where real forgiveness becomes possible.

I know this is a bit different from my usual messages but I hope if the day comes that you want to apologize you’ll find this helpful.

Happiness vs. Contentment: The Expectation Gap EP 186 Oct 06, 2025

We often use "happiness" and "contentment" interchangeably. I wanted to find out the difference and it turns out they very different states of being, and understanding the distinction has been really helpful so I wanted to share that with you.

Happiness is a spark; contentment is a steady flame.

When we expect that life will include both peaks and valleys, we can see the value in both. Expect that you can be content with your life while still wanting it to grow. Expect that letting go of how things "should" be might be the very thing that allows you to appreciate how things are.

The Radical Act of Being Quiet EP 185 Oct 03, 2025

In a world that never stops talking, silence has become revolutionary. We've forgotten that quiet isn't empty space to be filled—it's fertile ground where thoughts can finally settle and clarity can emerge.

Think about how rare true silence is in your day. Between podcasts, music, conversations, notifications, and the constant hum of our own mental chatter, we rarely experience the deep quiet that our souls crave. We've become so afraid of silence that we fill every moment with noise, as if stillness might reveal something we're not ready to face.

But here's what I've discovered: silence isn't scary—it's sanctuary. Those moments of true quiet, whether it's early morning before the world wakes up or late evening after everyone's asleep, offer something precious that no amount of external stimulation can provide. They offer us ourselves, unfiltered and unperformed.

The Art of Friendship: Being the Friend You'd Want to Have EP 184 Oct 02, 2025

Good friendship isn't complicated, but it is intentional. At its core, being a good friend means showing up—not just physically, but emotionally. It's remembering that your friend got that promotion they were nervous about and asking how the first week went. It's listening without immediately trying to fix or judge. It's celebrating their wins as genuinely as you'd celebrate your own.

The best friends I know have mastered the balance of being present without being intrusive, supportive without being enabling, and honest without being harsh. They text back (eventually), they keep confidences, and they love you through your messy seasons without making you feel like a project to be managed.

Good friendships are grown, not found. They develop slowly through consistency, trust, and the willingness to see each other clearly and love each other anyway. In a world of quick connections, the deepest friendships are still built the old-fashioned way: one real conversation at a time.

The Power of Monthly Pauses: Why October Calls for Reflection EP 183 Oct 01, 2025

There's something almost magical about the beginning of a new month—that clean slate feeling, like turning to a fresh page in a well-worn journal. As we step into October, I find myself drawn to this natural rhythm of pause and reflection that monthly transitions offer us.

So as October begins, maybe join me in this small rebellion against the rushed pace of modern life. Take a few minutes to honor where you've been and set gentle intentions for where you're going. Your future self will thank you for the pause.

After all, the most beautiful journeys aren't just about reaching the destination—they're about being awake and present for the traveling itself.

The Power of Conversation: Celebrating International Podcast Day EP 182 Sep 30, 2025

Today, September 30th, marks International Podcast Day™, an international celebration of the power of podcasts! And honestly, what better time to pause and appreciate this incredible medium that has quietly revolutionized how we consume stories, learn, and connect with one another?

As we celebrate this upcoming International Podcast Day on September 30, maybe take a moment to appreciate the creators behind your favorite shows.

So whether you're a longtime podcast enthusiast or someone who's just discovered the joy of audio storytelling, this is the perfect day to celebrate. Subscribe to that show you've been meaning to try. Leave a review for a podcast that's changed your perspective. Share your favorite episode with a friend.

Because at its heart, International Podcast Day isn't just about celebrating a technology—it's about celebrating our endless capacity to learn from each other, one conversation at a time.

The Gift of Listening: How Others' Stories Become Our Hope EP 181 Sep 29, 2025

In a world that seems to spin faster each day, where notifications ping constantly and conversations happen in fragments, there's something almost revolutionary about the simple act of truly listening. Not the half-distracted nodding we do while mentally crafting our response, but the deep, present kind of listening that creates space for someone else's truth to unfold.

I've been thinking about how rare this gift has become, and how desperately we need it. When we offer someone our full attention—our eyes, our silence, our open heart—we're not just being polite. We're creating something sacred: a moment where another person's story can breathe and take shape, often revealing things they didn't even know they carried.

So today, we can offer someone the gift of our attention. Not because we have answers or advice, but because their story matters. Because in the telling and the hearing, something beautiful happens: their hope becomes ours, and ours becomes theirs, until hope itself feels less like wishful thinking and more like the most natural thing in the world.

Small Ask with a Big Impact EP 180 Sep 26, 2025

I’m following my own advice to ask for help, and to let people know how they pitch in and make a difference.
If this little show has reminded you to breathe, begin, or believe, would you help us reach more ears? Asking is a practice of hope, and today I’m practicing it. 💛

3 ways to help in 60 seconds

Follow and subscribe on your favorite app

Rate and review - one sentence about something you enjoyed or found helpful is great

Share the podcast with one person who could use a lift today

World Dream Day EP 179 Sep 25, 2025

World Dream Day - What is is and why it matters!

World Dream Day is a global, participatory holiday held every September 25 devoted to declaring, sharing, and activating our dreams, personally and collectively. It was founded in 2012 by transformational strategist Ozioma Egwuonwu to move ideas and goals from wishful thinking to meaningful action.

Clear the Clutter Find the Spark EP 178 Sep 24, 2025

Order isn’t perfection, it’s permission to breathe.

Every time we clear a surface or a storyline, we lower the noise and raise our capacity for hope. Less “Where did I put…?” and “What if…?” More “I can do this.”

A 7-Minute Hope Reset (literal + metaphorical)

1) Surfaces (3 min): Pick one tiny zone, a desk corner, your nightstand, the car cup holder. Toss, keep, relocate. Wipe it. Done.

2) Screens (2 min): Archive 10 emails, mute 1 chat, delete 5 photos. Your attention is sacred.

3) Mind (2 min): Do a quick “Brain Sweep.” List 5 nagging tasks/thoughts. Circle one and write the Next Clear Step (≤10 min). Put it on your calendar.

Hopehack: Progress beats perfection. One cleared square foot + one next step = a measurable mood lift.

The Magic of Asking (and why it’s a sign of resilience) EP 177 Sep 23, 2025

Asking for help, for information, out of curiosity, isn’t weakness, it’s strategy.

Every big leap you admire was powered by a simple question: Can you help? Do you know how? Will you join? Is this possible? Resilience isn’t muscling through alone; it’s staying in motion by inviting resources, wisdom, and community to the table.

Finding Hope in the Equinox; Gather, Release, Renew Sep 22, 2025

The autumnal equinox is that brief, beautiful pause when light and dark share the sky in equal measure. It’s nature’s way of saying: balance isn’t a finish line; it’s a rhythm. Harvest and rest. Holding on and letting go. Finishing… and beginning again.

Hope lives in that rhythm and cycle.

Hope isn’t pretending everything’s perfect. It’s noticing what’s working, releasing what’s not, and choosing one small action that keeps us moving. Today, let’s use the equinox as a gentle reset: gather your season’s “harvest,” prune what drains you, and plant a quiet seed for what’s next.

A 10-Minute Equinox Ritual (Hope in Motion)

1. Arrive. Step outside at sunrise or sunset. Feel the air shift. Name one thing you’re grateful for right now.

2. Harvest. Jot 3 things that ripened since summer—tiny wins count. Circle the one that nourished you most.

3. Prune. List 2 habits/commitments that no longer serve you. Draw a bold line through one. That’s your release.

4. Balance. Pick one “light” practice (energizing) and one “rest” practice (restorative) for the next 30 days.

5. Plant. Choose one small, doable action you’ll take this week toward a winter goal. Put it on your calendar.

Journal Prompts

• Where did I surprise myself this past season?

• What am I carrying that feels heavier than it’s worth?

• What does “enough” look like for the next 30 days?

A simple affirmation

I gather what nourishes, release what drains, and plant one brave seed. I’m practicing hope.

Why Trying New Things Helps Your Brain and Your Well-Being EP 175 Sep 19, 2025

It’s easy to get comfortable in routines. Familiar feels safe, predictable, and efficient. But when we step outside that comfort zone and try something new, whether it’s a hobby, new food, a workout, or even a different route home, we’re giving our brain and our sense of well-being a real gift.

What’s something you’ve wanted to try?

How can you work that into your day or your week?

What would it take to try something new or begin a new practice?

Today’s a good day to find out.

My 5 Favorite Things Right Now EP 174 Sep 18, 2025

I love the change of seasons. I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before but since we’re in the midst of autumn and it’ll soon be peak color around her I thought it’d share a few things that are making me happy right now.

Why Laughter is Good For You EP 173 Sep 17, 2025

A new fav IG account that ALWAYS makes me laugh

Sometimes the best medicine doesn’t come in a pill, it comes in the form of laughter. That belly-deep kind of laugh, the one that makes your cheeks hurt and your eyes water, is more powerful than we realize.

Laughter is good for you because:

• It relieves stress. Even a few minutes of genuine laughter lowers cortisol and helps your body relax.

• It connects us. Sharing a laugh with someone builds trust and strengthens relationships.

• It shifts perspective. A good laugh can take the edge off a hard moment, reminding us not to take everything so seriously.

• It boosts your body. Laughter increases oxygen intake, stimulates your heart and lungs, and even triggers the release of endorphins—the “feel-good” chemicals.

Hope as Resistance EP 172 Sep 16, 2025

When the world feels heavy, it can be tempting to give in to despair. But remaining hopeful is not naïve, it’s an act of resistance.

Hope refuses to let fear, anger, or injustice have the last word. It’s the belief that better days are possible, even when evidence is scarce. And that belief fuels the courage to take action, to create change, to keep showing up.

I’ll admit that there are days when I don’t know how hope can help or if it’s helping at all. Then I remember that the world has always been in turmoil. There have always been people who want to oppress others, there’s always been injustice and natural disasters have always happened.

And still, people persevered. In the grand scheme of things, I recognize that I have a nice life, I’m safe from physical harm, and I have a place to live and people who love me.

My hope for better comes from knowing that I can be part of the solution – at minimum by sharing hope and kindness as best I can.

Remaining hopeful doesn’t mean ignoring hardship. It means looking it in the eye and saying, “You will not break me.”

When the World Feels Out of Control EP 171 Sep 15, 2025

Here’s what we all know; the world can feel overwhelming sometimes. Headlines bring us stories of conflict, uncertainty, and tragedy. It’s normal to feel anxious or heavy-hearted when the news seems filled with fear. But while we can’t control world events, we can manage how we respond to them, and how we care for ourselves and others in the process.

When we’re angry or afraid, the part of our brain that detects threats takes over triggering our fight or flight response. This overrides the part of our brain responsible for reasoning and logic. Physical changes, like increased heart rate and muscle readiness, as stress hormones are released, preparing us to either fight, flee, or freeze. This state prioritizes survival over conscious thought, which can lead to impulsive actions or poor decision-making.

The world will always bring challenges, but we don’t have to be consumed by them. Fear may show up, but hope, courage, and small acts of kindness can change the energy in a difficult moment.

National Day of Encouragement: Small Words, Big Lift EP 170 Sep 12, 2025

Today is the National Day of Encouragement. It may sound like a made-up holiday but who cares? It’s the perfect reminder to say the quiet good things out loud. A few sincere words can change someone’s hour, day, even direction. Encouragement isn’t flattery; it’s kindness in action.

And don’t forget you: encouragement counts inward, too. Speak to yourself like you would to a friend, kindly, clearly, and often.

Let’s start a ripple of encouragement. Send an encouraging text or make the call or tell your bestie

A Day of Remembrance EP 169 Sep 11, 2025

Today we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, to honor the courage of first responders and survivors, and to stand with the families and communities forever changed. We remember the ordinary people who acted with extraordinary bravery, the neighbors who opened doors, the strangers who became helpers, and the countless acts of care that followed.

This day is also our National Day of Service and Remembrance, a reminder that memory is not passive. It asks something of us. The most meaningful tribute we can offer is to turn remembrance into action.

Being Present in the Moment Matters EP 168 Sep 10, 2025

The passing of time is weird isn’t it? When we have a day with difficulties or set back, or maybe if we’re just not feeling great it can feel like a day that won’t end. This is going live the second week of September, a month that brings us autumn and a distinct change of season here in the Midwest where I live.

Which makes me feel like this year is zooming by. I feel like summer always goes by quickly, and even though I truly like the change of seasons, I am always sad to see the long days come to an end.

Which brings me back to the idea of time and how I want to spend more time in the present moment. Not worried about the future or obsessing about the past but truly invested in the here and now.

The Power of One Small Act EP 167 Sep 09, 2025

I’m sure you’ve heard a version of the Starfish story. It goes like this:

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,

“Well, I made a difference for that one!”

It’s a good reminder that small, even tiny efforts matter. Many of us see problems in the world, big problems, and wonder if there is anything we can do to make a difference.

I'm Glad You're Here EP 166 Sep 08, 2025

I’m glad you’re here. I know I say that every time, but I want you to really hear it because I am really glad you’re here, listening and sharing hope with me.

I started this back in January and there’s no way that I’d still be doing this if I hadn’t received encouragement and support from you, the people who are listening. I truly appreciate you for helping me see that being hopeful isn’t pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking. I’ve learned and now experience hope as a practice.

The daily steps we all take in an effort to bring some light and hope and positive energy into the world is what makes it all work. Each week, I sit down and think about what I want to say, or more commonly sit down and begin typing and hope that something worth sharing shows up.

Some weeks it’s easier than others, but the practice of thinking about, writing about, and recording messages of hope and encouragement is why, despite crazy, and unpredictable events in the day to day world I still feel optimistic. I believe that things can get better.

Celebrating Progress Over Perfection EP 165 Sep 05, 2025

Your Daily Dose of Hope - Fresh Start Mindset Series

We've traveled together this week, from embracing beginner's mind to taking small steps, learning from setbacks, and building community. Today, I want to talk about something that ties it all together: celebrating progress over perfection.

Because here's the truth nobody talks about enough, perfect is not just impossible, it's the enemy of everything we've been building this week.

Perfect doesn't ask curious questions, it already knows everything. Perfect doesn't take small steps, it waits for the giant leap. Perfect doesn't learn from setbacks, it sees them as proof of failure. Perfect doesn't need community. it must look flawless all alone.

I used to think "having it all figured out" was the goal. I thought once I reached some magical level of put-togetherness, then I could relax, then I could be happy, then my life would really begin.

What a waste of beautiful, messy, imperfect days that was.

Building Your Support Network EP 164 Sep 04, 2025

Your Daily Dose of Hope - Fresh Start Mindset Series

This week we've talked about curiosity, small steps, and learning from setbacks. But here's something I've learned: all that gets easier when you don't have to do it alone.

Today we're talking about building your support network. Because growth happens in community.

I'm talking about finding your growth partners. The people who see your potential and aren't afraid to lovingly challenge you to reach it. We all need people in our corner who believe in our potential.

Learning From Setbacks EP 163 Sep 03, 2025

Welcome back to Your Daily Dose of Hope. I'm Phyllis and this is day three of our Fresh Start Mindset series.

We've talked about embracing curiosity and taking small steps. But in life sometimes those steps don't go where we planned. Sometimes we stumble. Sometimes we fall flat on our faces.

Today, we're talking about setbacks. And why they might be the most important part of your journey.

Here's what I want you to consider: what if setbacks aren't roadblocks? What if they're actually data points, guiding you toward what works?

Small Steps Big Changes EP 162 Sep 02, 2025

Your Daily Dose of Hope - Fresh Start Mindset Series

Welcome to Your Daily Dose of Hope. I'm Phyllis, and we're on day two of our Fresh Start Mindset series.

Yesterday we talked about embracing beginner's mind, the curiosity that sees possibility everywhere. Today, I want to talk about what you do with that curiosity: how small steps create big changes.

Here's something that blew my mind when I first learned it: if you improve by just 1% every single day for one year, you end up 37 times better. That's the magic of compound growth. Your small choices don't just add up, they multiply.

But here's what I love most about small steps: they're sneaky. Your brain doesn't fight them the way it fights big, dramatic changes. Want to start exercising? Your inner critic will have a field day with "I'm going to work out for an hour every day." But "I'm going to put on my sneakers"? That feels doable.

The Power of The Beginners Mind EP 161 Sep 01, 2025

Good morning, and welcome to Your Daily Dose of Hope. I'm Phyllis Nichols. Today we're starting something special, a five-day series I'm calling "Fresh Start Mindset."

Whether you're feeling the back-to-school energy in the air, or you're just ready for a reset, this week is about embracing the beautiful possibility that comes with beginning again.

Today, we're talking about the power of beginner's mind.

Here's something that might surprise you: researchers found that children ask an average of 73 questions a day. Seventy-three! But adults? We ask about four.

What happened to all that curiosity? When did "I don't know" become something to hide instead of celebrate?

In Zen Buddhism, there's this concept called "Shoshin, the beginner's mind. It means approaching life with openness, eagerness, and freedom from preconceptions. Even when you're learning something you think you already know.

Dance Like No One is Watching EP 160 Aug 29, 2025

We’ve all heard the phrase, dance like no one is watching. It’s not really about dancing (though moving your body with abandon feels amazing). It’s about freedom. It’s about showing up without the weight of judgment, expectation, or perfection holding you back.

We’ve all heard the phrase, dance like no one is watching. It’s not really about dancing (though moving your body with abandon feels amazing). It’s about freedom. It’s about showing up without the weight of judgment, expectation, or perfection holding you back.

When we live like no one is watching, we give ourselves permission to:

• Speak our ideas without over-editing.

• Try something new, even if we’re not “good at it” yet.

• Follow curiosity instead of clinging to certainty.

• Celebrate small wins with joy, no matter how they look to others.

It’s an invitation to stop living for the approval of the crowd and start living for the alignment of your own soul.

So today, let’s take “dance like no one is watching” off the dance floor and into everyday life. Say the thing. Take the risk. Laugh loudly. Create something messy and wonderful.

Because in the end, the moments where you let yourself be fully you are the ones that turn into the best kind of memories.

This Might Not Work EP 159 Aug 28, 2025

There’s a kind of freedom in saying those four words out loud: This might not work.

Honest plans begin with honest uncertainty – Seth Godin

Admitting that something might not work isn’t pessimism, it’s planning and preparing for multiple possible outcomes. How many things in life would you have accomplished if you only tried what you knew for certain would work out?

How many things ended up differently, but ultimately for the best? We can’t always know where we’ll end up, but isn’t it worth the trip?

Why Paying it Forward Matters EP 158 Aug 27, 2025

One of the most powerful ways we can create ripple effects of kindness and opportunity is by paying it forward. When someone has helped us, believed in us, or given us a chance, we carry the gift of that moment forward, not by repaying it, but by extending it to someone else.

Sometimes it’s as simple as sharing encouragement, making an introduction, or offering a resource. Other times, it might mean stepping up in a bigger way to mentor, sponsor, or advocate for someone who needs a hand.

The beauty of paying it forward is that we never really know how far the impact will go. A small act from you today might be the spark someone else needed to take their next brave step.

💡 Hope grows stronger when we remember: we’re all connected, and generosity compounds.

The Ripple Effect: Finding Hope in Unintended Consequences EP 157 Aug 26, 2025

Sometimes the biggest shifts in our lives come from unintended consequences.

We usually think of those words in a negative way, the deal that fell through, the partnership that fizzled, the choice that rippled further than we thought. And yes, sometimes the consequences hurt. They stretch us in ways we didn’t ask for.

But unintended consequences can also be surprisingly good, the unexpected client referral, the person we met by chance who becomes a dear friend, the mistake that turned into innovation.

The truth is, we can’t possibly see it all coming. What we can do is choose how we respond when life surprises us

How to Turn Around a Bad Mood EP 156 Aug 25, 2025

In a perfect world, every day would be lovely, and we’d always feel great and be in a great mood ready to take on the world. But that’s not real life. Some days just don’t go as planned, or we’re just not feeling it.

We all slip into a bad mood sometimes; it’s part of being human. The good news is, we don’t have to stay stuck there. With a few intentional shifts, we can redirect our energy and lift ourselves into a better place.

What Does it Mean to be an Advocate? EP 155 Aug 22, 2025

This is part of a longer post on Democracy Docket written by Marc Elias

What does it mean to be an advocate? A hope advocate? I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.

The dictionary defines it this way: a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.

The “publicly supports” part of that is everything, isn’t it? What does it mean to publicly support something?

Does it mean putting out a flag, putting a bumper sticker or my car, posting memes on social media? I think all of those things could be included but I’m learning from others what true advocacy looks like, because it’s more than being pro a cause or policy position.

Advocacy means standing beside someone, lending your voice, influence or expertise to help make sure they’re heard, valued, and supported. It’s choosing to see beyond your own perspective and stepping into the role of amplifier, ally and sometimes shield.

It a place to start.

When Despair Is Easier: Choosing Hope Anyway EP 154 Aug 21, 2025

This is an excerpt of an article written by Marc Elias.

You can find the entire post here

It usually comes as a question: What gives you hope? Sometimes it is more of a demand: Tell me something hopeful!

Everywhere I turn — in person and online, from lawyers to retirees, activists to students — people are searching for hopeful words about the future of democracy. I know what they want. They want me to say that I have special knowledge, a hidden plan, some inside information that will assure them that this nightmare will end. They want to hear that democracy will survive Trump, that our institutions will hold, that it will all turn out okay in the end.

The assumption seems to be that I would only be fighting for democracy in court — speaking out in the media, angering Trump and his enablers, doing everything I can to defend our elections — if I were sure we would prevail.

If only that were the case.

Right Now, Someone is Wishing They Have What You Have EP 153 Aug 20, 2025

It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have, the goals still out of reach, the business milestone we’re chasing, the life upgrade we want next. We forget that someone out there is looking at us right now and thinking, “Wow, I wish I had what they have.”

• Maybe it’s the freedom to work from home.

• Maybe it’s the courage you had to start your business.

• Maybe it’s the confidence you carry into a room (even when you don’t feel it inside).

• Maybe it’s the family, the friendships, or the simple stability you’ve built.

What feels ordinary to you might look extraordinary to someone else.

Celebrate the Small Steps (They’re Not So Small After All) EP 152 Aug 19, 2025

We often wait to celebrate until the “big win” shows up like landing the client, finishing the project, hitting the revenue goal. But those milestones don’t happen without the tiny, consistent steps that got you there. The small steps are worth celebrating, too.

✨ Sent the pitch email you’ve been putting off? Celebrate that courage.

✨ Posted your first piece of content, even if only 10 people saw it? Celebrate that start.

✨ Showed up to your desk and wrote for 20 minutes when you didn’t feel like it? Celebrate that discipline.

✨ Chose rest instead of burnout? Celebrate that wisdom.

What to Do When You’re Not Feeling It (But Still Need to Keep Going) EP 151 Aug 18, 2025

Some days the motivation just isn’t there. The spark is missing, the energy feels flat, and the work ahead looks heavier than usual. But here’s the truth: success isn’t built on feeling it every day, it’s built on showing up anyway.

You don’t have to feel inspired to do meaningful work. You just have to keep going step by step, even on the off days.

There’s No Such Thing as Perfect EP 150 Aug 15, 2025

We’re taught early on that decisions have “right” and “wrong” answers. That if we just think long enough, research enough, prepare enough, we’ll land on the perfect choice.

But life doesn’t actually work like that.

Many decisions aren’t about right or wrong—they’re about options. Each one will take you somewhere different, each with its own mix of challenges, surprises, and rewards.

I love how Elisabeth Kübler-Ross put it:

Learning lessons is a little like reaching maturity. You're not suddenly more happy, wealthy, or powerful, but you understand the world around you better, and you're at peace with yourself. Learning life's lessons is not about making your life perfect, but about seeing life as it was meant to be.

When Reaching Out Feels Awkward EP 149 Aug 14, 2025

You’ve been thinking about them for weeks.

Maybe it’s been years since you last talked.

Maybe the last conversation ended in hurt feelings, silence, or something that still feels unfinished.

And now you don’t know how to start—because it’s been too long or because you’re not sure if they even want to hear from you.

Here’s the truth: there’s no perfect script.

There’s just an opening. And the courage to take it.

Only you can know what’s right for you. If someone harmed you and separation led to healing, then honor that. For some, the unspoken words of apology and/or forgiveness prevent us from moving on, from forgiving ourselves as well.

It’s hopeful to heal. Maybe this can be the first step

When a “Coincidence” Is More Than Just Chance EP 148 Aug 13, 2025

Ever notice how sometimes life hands you exactly what you were just thinking about?

You’re mulling over a big decision and a podcast episode “randomly” plays that speaks directly to it. You keep seeing the same word, place, or symbol over and over. You bump into someone who has the exact piece of information you’ve been needing.

I’ve had this happen now and then – usually I’m thinking about someone I want to connect with our reach out to. In my sales days I would be thinking about a client I hadn’t talked to while and several time, they would call or email that same day or the next day.

Maybe it’s not random at all. Maybe it’s you, reminding you. It’s okay to pay attention and be curious about what thoughts could be contributing to your mind’s way of nudging you toward what matters

Self-Care as a Hope Practice EP 147 Aug 13, 2025

What do you think of first when you hear self-care? Does a spa-day come to mind? Or maybe you think about time away from the day-to-day.

Poet Audre Lorde said “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation”

Self-care isn’t about bubble baths and scented candles (though those can be lovely). At its core, self-care is about giving yourself the capacity to keep going, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Especially when life is hard.

When we care for ourselves, we are protecting the part of us that still believes in what’s possible. Hope requires energy. It requires clarity. It requires the belief that tomorrow is worth working toward and all of that is nearly impossible to sustain if we’re running on empty.

Self-care and hopefulness are intertwined:

You Matter: Why Recognition is So Powerful EP 146 Aug 11, 2025

With all of our daily deadlines and tasks, it's easy to overlook how deeply meaningful recognition can be. Yet, when someone acknowledges your effort, it does more than boost your mood, it strengthens your engagement, motivation, and loyalty.

Start with the people you love. We can never tell them too much or too often how we appreciate their hard work, or their patience, their thoughtfulness when they help or the way they take care of things around the house.

Everyone wants to know that they matter. Today’s the day you can do that for someone in your life.

How Minimalism Is Teaching me about Hope EP 145 Aug 08, 2025

I’ve been checking out lots of info about minimalism as a lifestyle. It appeals to me in many ways, especially making things easier. One of the minimalists whose work I find helpful talks about being clear about the season of life you are in today.

Keeping things that don’t fit this season isn’t thrifty or helpful, in fact it’s often the opposite. It keeps us looking back or planning for part of life that isn’t here anymore. Not to mention the work and energy managing and storing what you have, but don’t use.

Minimalism isn’t about less for the sake of less.

It’s about making room—for what matters, for who you’re becoming

New Month, New Mood? Or Just New? EP 144 Aug 07, 2025

We love milestones.

The first of the month.

A Monday.

A birthday.

A new year.

They feel like permission slips to start fresh.

To try the thing we’ve been putting off.

To commit.

But here’s the truth:

You don’t need a milestone to make a move.

You don’t need a reason, or a perfect plan, or the “right” timing.

A random Thursday at 3:17 PM works just fine.

So does today.

So does right now.

Change isn’t about the date—it’s about the decision.

And that part?

That’s always yours to make.

Is It Controversial to Be Controversial? EP 143 Aug 06, 2025

These days, it can feel like having an opinion—any opinion—comes with a warning label.

Say something bold, and you’re “controversial.”

Say nothing, and you’re “complicit.”

So what do we do when we disagree?

Because disagreement is inevitable.

We’re not all wired the same, raised the same, or shaped by the same experiences.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

It’s not the disagreement that causes the damage.

It’s how we handle it.

The Choice to Hope is Always Ours EP 142 Aug 05, 2025

You always have the power to choose the path that opens you up instead of shutting you down.

Even when it’s hard.

Especially when it’s hard.

So today… when you find yourself at that quiet little crossroads,

Choose hope.

Choose action.

Choose curiosity.

Pay attention to the way things shift and change when you do.

The Squeaky Door Syndrome: Why We Tolerate What Drains Us and How to Change the Pattern EP 141 Aug 04, 2025

Humans are ridiculously adaptable.

We can get used to just about anything.

The squeaky door that makes you wince every time it opens.

The chair that digs into your back.

The cluttered space that makes it impossible to focus.

The process at work that takes twice as long as it should.

We don’t like it.

We complain about it.

But… we tolerate it.

So, what’s one small, annoying, energy-sucking thing you’ve been putting up with simply because you’re used to it?
Maybe today’s the day you stop tolerating it.

Stop Scrolling. Start Creating. Reconnect with What Lights You Up EP 139 Jul 31, 2025

We were made to create.

YOU were made to be creative!

Not just consume. Not just scroll. Not just binge.

But to make things—with our hands, our minds, our hearts.

To write, build, paint, dance, speak, organize, problem-solve, imagine.

To express the ideas that lives inside us.

When we spend more time consuming than creating, things get out of balance.

We feel it as restlessness. Boredom. Frustration.

We get overwhelmed, anxious, even numb, not because we’re doing too much, but because we’re doing too little of what we’re wired for.

Creation connects us to ourselves.

It gives us purpose, agency, energy.

It reminds us that we’re more than just an audience, we're participants.

You don’t have to be an “artist” to be creative.

One of the great things about creating is you don’t have to be good at it to gain the benefits. To truly understand the brain science behind creativity pick up the book Your Brain on Art.

For now, just know that it’s not just good for your mood and your soul, it’s good for your brain and body too!

Uncomfortable vs. Unsafe: Why the Difference Matters EP 138 Jul 30, 2025

There’s a powerful difference between feeling uncomfortable and being unsafe—and learning to recognize that difference is essential for navigating the world with clarity, courage, and compassion.

Uncomfortable means we're stretching, stepping outside of the familiar, or encountering new perspectives. It's the feeling of trying something for the first time, hearing a hard truth, or being challenged to grow. Every now and then, our discomfort comes from being in spaces where we are witness to or we are included in the disparagement or bullying of others.

That can be incredibly uncomfortable.

Unsafe, on the other hand, is about real harm or threat—whether physical, emotional, or psychological. Unsafe environments leave us exposed, vulnerable, and at risk. And there are many people in the world for whom danger is a daily reality. It’s important not to blur the line between discomfort and danger, especially when advocating for justice, inclusion, or personal growth.

So how do we tell the difference?

How to Trust Yourself Even When It's Hard EP 137 Jul 29, 2025

Trusting yourself doesn’t mean you’ll always get it right.

It means you believe in your ability to listen, to learn, and to move forward, even when the path feels unclear.

When life is hard, it’s tempting to look outward for answers. But some of the wisest guidance comes from within. That quiet nudge. That gut feeling. That whisper of “this feels right” or “not this.” That’s your intuition, and it’s worth trusting.

The more you listen to it, the stronger it becomes. And the more you trust yourself in small decisions, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to take a big leap.

We all have it, but in a world full of noise and constant advice, it’s easy to ignore or second-guess it.

The key to trusting your intuition is practice.

Making Space for Hope and Calm EP 136 Jul 28, 2025

In a world that feels constantly cluttered—with notifications, obligations, and noise—sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is make space.

Literal space. Figurative space.

Hope and calm aren’t things we chase down, they’re often what shows up when we stop, breathe, and make room.

So if today feels overwhelming, ask yourself:

Where can I make just a little more space?

You don’t need to fix everything.

You just need to start with one open breath, one cleared shelf, one quiet moment.

That’s where hope finds you.

Why Saying No Can Be a Kindness to Yourself and Others EP 135 Jul 25, 2025

I wanted to write about why saying yes isn’t always the best thing but I was having a hard time getting my head around it. It worried me that everyone might not like to say yes so I was not sure if this would be relevant.

Then I checked my email and James Clear (of Atomic Habits fame) write this:

A philosophy I heard recently and have found useful:

"We look for reasons to say yes and only say no when we have to."

Reading that helped me hone in on what I want to say about being a yes person.

The Arrival Fallacy and the Secret to Hope EP 134 Jul 24, 2025

Have you ever said, “I’ll be happy when…”?

When the project is done.

When you get the promotion.

When you lose the weight.

When life finally slows down.

When I find my true love.

That’s the arrival fallacy, the belief that happiness lives in some future moment, waiting for us to finally catch up. But here’s the hard truth: that moment doesn’t arrive the way we imagine. Because once we get there we still haven’t chosen happiness. On top of that our minds often move the finish line and we keep the “I’ll be happy when” mentality going.

The Power of Advocacy: Why Being an Advocate Builds Hope EP 133 Jul 23, 2025

To be an advocate is to use your voice, your presence, and your power to stand up for others, especially those who are not being heard. It’s not always loud or public. Sometimes it’s a quiet act of solidarity, a well-timed question in a meeting, or a firm "that’s not okay" when something crosses the line.

Advocacy is a hope-builder because it bridges isolation and action. When someone speaks up for us, or walks alongside us in struggle, it reminds us we matter. It tells us we’re not alone. And when we choose to be that person for someone else, we’re actively creating a future that’s more just, more kind, and more connected.

Being an advocate doesn’t mean you have all the answers, it means you’re willing to listen, to learn, and to use what you have to make a difference. Hope grows where people show up for each other.

How to Find Your People: Resources to Build Real Connection EP 132 Jul 22, 2025

One of the most powerful ways to stay motivated, inspired, and even hopeful is to find your community, people who share your passions, interests, and values. Whether you're into creative writing, programming, gardening, cooking, or starting a business, there’s a group out there that gets it.

Listen for the full list or at the episode notes

https://yourdailydoseofhope.com/episodes/

Why Confidence Is the Fuel Your Hope Needs EP 131 Jul 22, 2025

Confidence isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about trusting yourself to figure things out, even when the path ahead is uncertain. It’s the quiet inner voice that says, “I can handle this,” even when life throws you curveballs.

When you nurture your confidence, you give hope a place to grow.

So how do you nurture confidence?

Because when you believe in yourself, even a little, hope begins to take root, and that’s where change begins.

Survival Strategies for the Overwhelmed, Overscheduled, Stressed-Out (But Still Showing Up) Person EP 130 Jul 18, 2025

This is for the one who keeps everything running.

The one others rely on.

The one who’s capable, competent, and constantly doing…

…and also secretly exhausted.

If you’re holding it together for everyone else but barely keeping your own head above water, here are 3 survival strategies that actually help.

What to Do When You're Afraid (But Not in Danger) EP 129 Jul 17, 2025

Not all fear is about survival. Sometimes it’s the quiet kind. The fear of being seen. Of starting something new. Of reaching out after too much time or too many hard words.

This kind of fear doesn’t shout. It whispers things like:
What if it doesn’t work? What if I’m not enough? What if I’m too much?

If you’re feeling that fear today, here’s what you can do:

🔹 1. Name it.

🔹 2. Break it into the next small step.

🔹 3. Let courage be messy.

3 Ways to Build Community That Lifts You Up and Helps You Stay Hopeful EP 128 Jul 17, 2025

Hope doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s something we grow in connection with others. Whether you're navigating a tough time or simply craving more meaningful relationships, having a supportive community can be a lifeline. Here are three powerful ways to build that kind of connection:

🔹 1. Start with Shared Curiosity

Join a group, class, or online space centered around something that genuinely interests you—creativity, wellness, activism, books, gardening—anything that sparks your joy or learning. Shared curiosity naturally builds bonds and gives you something positive to look forward to.

🔹 2. Be the One Who Reaches Out

Invite someone for coffee. Send the check-in text. Comment meaningfully on someone’s post. Community isn’t just something you find—it’s something you help create. Being intentional about nurturing one-on-one connections can lead to deeper relationships that truly sustain you.

🔹 3. Create a Ritual of Gathering

Whether it’s a monthly Zoom chat, a Sunday walk, or a weekly group message to swap highs and lows, small regular rituals can keep people connected. It doesn't have to be big—what matters is consistency and mutual support.

✨ Being part of a hopeful, encouraging community isn’t about having tons of people around—it’s about having the right people who see you, support you, and remind you you’re not alone.

The Power of Belonging and Why it Matters EP 127 Jul 15, 2025

I recently attended a gathering with a group of women I didn’t know, except for the organizer, whom I had only met once before. There were about 12 to 15 of us, all gathered to hear a Ukrainian immigrant share her story about her life before coming to the U.S., her journey here, and what life looks like now.

It was honest, moving, and empowering. What struck me most wasn’t just her story, but how engaged and curious everyone was. I found myself nodding along, not just to her words, but to the shared values in the room, curiosity, resilience, empathy, and openness.

Despite not knowing anyone, I didn’t feel out of place. And that reminded me: belonging isn’t about familiarity—it’s about connection. It’s about being in a space where you feel seen, heard, and safe to be curious.

This reminded me of the Brene Brown quote:

True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.”

Hope is Leaving the World a Bit Better Than Before EP 126 Jul 14, 2025

I was reminded of that today by this quote from Jim Henson:

“My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.”

It’s simple. Not flashy or grand. Just better. A bit better.

That kind of hope doesn’t demand we change everything, but it does invite us to do something: Be a little kinder. Speak up when it’s easier to stay quiet. Listen more. Share more. Care more.

Hope doesn’t need a headline. It needs a heartbeat.

So today, maybe that “bit better” is offering someone encouragement. Or sharing a meal with a friend or choosing compassion in a conversation.

I think about hope a lot, in all kinds of contexts and still I have days when I wonder if any of it makes a difference. But it does. It has to. There’s always a reason NOT to do something, not to help, not to speak up, not to reach out.

Thoughts About Hope: Reflections From Seth Godin’s Books EP 125 Jul 11, 2025

In Seth Godin's view, being "hardwired for hope" means that humans have an inherent, biological predisposition to anticipate a positive future and believe in the possibility of improvement, even in challenging circumstances.

In his book, This Is Strategy, talks about how it's not just wishful thinking, but a fundamental part of our nature that drives us to act, create, and strive for a better outcome, even when facing uncertainty.

He also shares that anecdotes are not data for making decisions, but reminds us that hope is real and sharing that matters.

He had more to say on the subject and it's here for you.

Another Year Wiser and Hopeful for What’s Next EP 124 Jul 10, 2025

This podcast isn’t meant to be about me, but I share from the heart when it feels okay and when I think it’ll be helpful to others. This episode will air on my birthday, so I decided to share a few things that I’m thinking about as I celebrate another year.

Birthdays are a mix of celebrating and contemplation after all, and I’m here for both.

The Kindness That Kept Me Going EP 123 Jul 09, 2025

A few days ago, a stranger reminded me how powerful a small act of kindness can be.

I was walking in the park, and honestly, I was struggling. I’d overheated, was nearly out of water, and had to stop and catch my breath in a bit of shade. That’s when she noticed me, paused her walk, and asked if I was okay.

She encouraged me to rest, offered a few kind words, and even gave me a little pep talk: “You’re here. You showed up. That’s something to be proud of.”

And you know what? It was exactly what I needed. Her encouragement helped me reset, take a breath, and keep going. I made it back to my car where I had more water waiting. It was a great reminder that people can be wonderful.

To the kind stranger at the park: thank you. Your kindness mattered.

We’ve heard the sentiment that we don’t really ever know what someone else is dealing with. We’ve all become experts at covering our hurt, masking our pain and pretending all is well, when it isn’t.

We don’t have to share our pain or troubles with people who may not care, or can’t be bothered to listen, but we can do that for someone else.

I know that I want to be the kind of person who does that for others. Someone who can be kind in the moment.

Want to be that person for someone else? Here are 3 easy ways:

1. Offer a kind word or smile—it might be the best part of someone’s day.

2. Pause to check on someone who looks like they’re struggling. You don’t have to fix anything—just showing up matters.

3. Give a genuine compliment. Recognizing someone’s effort can mean more than you realize.

May you experience kindness today.

Feeling Scattered? Here’s How to Reconnect to Now EP 122 Jul 08, 2025

The best way to stay in the present moment is to anchor your attention intentionally—here are some simple, powerful ways to do that:

🔹 1. Use Your Senses

🔹 2. Focus on Your Breath

🔹 3. Name What’s Happening

🔹 4. Do One Thing at a Time

🔹 5. Create a Now Ritual

BONUS: A Quick Mantra

“I am here. This is now. That is enough.”

Tools for Tough Days: No Substances Required EP 121 Jul 07, 2025

I've seen some posts suggesting day drinking to deal with today's news, and I want to offer some suggestions for how to get through today if you don't want to drink, or use drugs. I'm going to suggest these things as someone who hasn't drank or taken drugs in over 9 years. I hope they help.

First of all, disclaimer: I'm not a doctor or a therapist. I'm a librarian. If you need professional help, PLEASE SEEK IT. For all of these suggestions, take them as "if you can do this thing, try it." If you can't do it or don't want to, please disregard!

Listen for 18 easy ways to feel better, right now.

Believers Hymn for the Republic EP 120 Jul 04, 2025

"The Believer’s Hymn of the Republic" is a poem written by Amanda Gorman for the July 4th celebration at the U.S. Capitol in 2023.

It was inspired by Julia Ward Howe’s “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,”

The Day Before Vacation Slow Down EP 119 Jul 03, 2025

Years ago I heard Zig Ziglar talk about the day before vacation. That’s what today feels like if you’re here in the US. It’s the day before Independence day, July 4 and since it falls on a Friday this year, it’s a long weekend opportunity.

So, today feels like the day before vacation. The day I want to get all the things done before the holiday arrives.

What if, instead of treating the day before vacation like a productivity sprint, we treated it like the beginning of our break? What if we intentionally slowed down rather than speeding up?

A Season of Becoming: Bring Intention To Your Day EP 118 Jul 02, 2025

A Season of Becoming

As we step into this second half, remember that you're not starting from zero. You're building on a lifetime of experience, growth, and resilience. You're exactly where you need to be, with everything you need to take the next step.

Your story is still being written, and today begins a new chapter filled with possibility. Regardless of what has come before, today is yours to shape with intention, hope, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you've made it this far.

Here's to the next 184 days of becoming who you're meant to be, one ordinary, extraordinary day at a time

Begin With Intention: The 2nd Half of 2025 EP 117 Jun 30, 2025

It’s July 1, the first day of the 2nd half of 2025. There's something quietly powerful about this moment, like turning the page to a fresh chapter while still holding the story of everything that came before.

The Gift of Looking Back

The past six months have been a teacher, whether we realized it or not. Take a moment to sit with what you've experienced. What moments made you laugh? What challenges pushed you to discover strength you didn't know you had? Which relationships deepened, and which dreams began to take shape?

This isn't about judging your progress or measuring yourself against an arbitray or impossible standard. It's about recognizing that you've been living, growing, and becoming every single day.

The tiny wins count just as much as the loud ones. Maybe you learned to say no with kindness, finally tried that recipe you bookmarked months ago, or simply showed up for yourself when it felt hard to get out of bed.

Every experience has created the person you are today. That's worth acknowledging.

I Stopped Resisting Change and Do This Instead EP 116 Jun 30, 2025

You know that feeling? The sudden dread when you’re waiting for test results or when your boss calls an unexpected meeting or maybe when a treasured relationship starts to shift. That knot in your stomach or tightness in your chest? Anxiety shows up when we worry things are going to change.

We think if we could just keep everything the same, we’d be safe. The real danger isn’t the change itself; it is the energy we waste worrying about what might or might not happen. The true enemy is our own resistance.

When we give in to the fear of the unknown, we trade the opportunity for growth for the false comfort of what I already knew. It’s a recipe for staying stuck. Wishing for what was instead of being curious about what is and what could be.

There’s a lot going on in the world today. Changes are happening fast, and it all feels overwhelming. But I’m tired of being scared and worried about what might happen. What IS happening is hard enough to comprehend.

In search of answers, I started reading Mindset by Carol Dweck and I found what she calls a "growth mindset."

Hope is a Feedback Loop (and Here’s How It Works) Jun 27, 2025

Hope isn't just a feeling—it's a force that can multiply itself through the choices we make and the actions we take. When we understand how hope creates positive feedback loops, we can intentionally cultivate environments where hope grows stronger with each cycle.

What Is a Hope Feedback Loop?

A positive feedback loop of hope works like this: hopeful action creates positive outcomes, which reinforce our belief that good things are possible, which motivates more hopeful action. Each cycle builds on the last, creating momentum that becomes easier to continue and harder to break.

Starting the Loop: Small Actions, Big Ripples

The beauty of hope feedback loops is that they can start small. You don't need to solve major problems or make grand gestures. Sometimes the most powerful loops begin with simple acts:

The Thank You Note Loop: Writing genuine appreciation to someone creates connection and acknowledgment. They feel seen and valued, which often inspires them to recognize others. Soon, gratitude becomes a shared practice that lifts everyone involved.

The Listening Loop: Really hearing someone's story or struggles without rushing to fix or judge creates profound connection. People who feel truly heard often become better listeners themselves, spreading this rare gift through their relationships.

Create Success Stories: Document and share examples of positive change. When people see that transformation is possible—especially in circumstances similar to their own—it becomes easier to believe in their own capacity for change.

Every person has the capacity to generate positive feedback loops of hope. The question isn't whether you have enough power or resources—it's whether you're willing to take the first hopeful action, however small, and trust that it can create something larger than itself.

What hopeful action could you take today that might inspire someone else to take their own hopeful action tomorrow? What small experiment in possibility are you willing to try? Each step forward creates momentum for more.

It's Okay to Have Hope EP 113 Jun 25, 2025

When things are uncertain, and the world feels crazy and surreal it’s okay to be happy and joyful and want nice things.

Novelist and poet MaryAnne Evans put it this way:

We can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.

We can’t give up.

I feel lucky that I have days that are full of nice moments when I can feel at ease in the world. It reminds me to be grateful for what I have and to also remember, it’s okay to seek out those moments.

We don’t end the suffering of others by imposing suffering on ourselves or denying our own needs.

I’m imperfectly working towards staying positive and hopeful and ever mindful that many people in the world don’t have the options I have.

It’s why hope matters.

It’s why joy and love and kindness are key to ending suffering. Sharing that with others is a tiny step to easing the sadness and suffering not by ignoring it, but buy refusing to give in to it.

It is okay to be happy.

It’s okay to have hope, to nurture hope.

It’s okay to want the best for yourself and the people you love.

It’s okay to tune out the news, and the horrible things happening in the world for a few hours or even a few days.

It’s okay to be joyful, to laugh out loud, to genuinely enjoy yourself.

That’s how we change things. That’s how we turn the tide.

Here’s to a happy, hopeful day ahead.

Curating Hope: A Practice for Uncertain Times EP 114 Jun 25, 2025

Hope isn't something that simply happens to us—it's something we can actively cultivate and curate.

What Does It Mean to Curate Hope?

In the same way a museum curator carefully selects, arranges, and preserves pieces that tell a meaningful story, curating hope is the intentional gathering of moments, stories, experiences. It’s the evidence that remind us that positive change is possible, that humans are capable of remarkable things, and that tomorrow might be better than today.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Evidence collection

Story seeking

Build a Hope Archive

Full notes

What if Kindness Went Viral? EP 112 Jun 24, 2025

What if kindness went viral?

I know sounds naïve but imagine what would happen if all of us were focused on doing something kind for someone else every day. Tony D. Sampson author and academic who studies culture and media defines viral phenomena as spreadable accumulations of events, objects, and affects that are overall content built up by popular discourses surrounding network culture.

In Adam Grant's book "Give and Take," he exemplifies how strategic generosity can build networks, create goodwill, and ultimately benefit both the giver and receiver when he highlighted Adam Rifkin, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Adam popularized the concept of the “five minute” favor” as a powerful network and relationship-building philosophy.

The principle is simple: "You should be willing to do something that will take 5 minutes or less for anybody."

Grant demonstrates that giving isn't just the nice thing to do, it's often the most effective long-term strategy for building influence, creating innovation, and achieving sustainable success. The book challenges the assumption that nice guys finish last, showing instead that the most generous people often finish first, while also revealing how to give without being taken advantage of.

So what if we gave a bit of kindness every day? An introduction, a compliment, a helping had, not because we want something for ourselves but because we want to be part of making the world a better place?

Naïve? Maybe.

But it might be worth the risk.

How to Bring Hope to Others EP 111 Jun 23, 2025

In a world that often feels heavy, I believe we each have the power to be someone's light. Hope isn't always a grand gesture—it often shows up in quiet, meaningful ways. Today, I want to share three ways I've learned we can bring hope to others, starting right now.

First, be present and really listen.

Second, speak encouragement out loud.

Third, share your light, even when it feels small.

Here's what I've come to understand: bringing hope doesn't require perfection or profound wisdom—it just takes heart. And here's the beautiful thing I've experienced again and again: when I give hope to others, I often receive a little back, too.

So I encourage you—look for those moments today. Be someone's light. The world needs more hope, and you have the power to create it.

Finding Happiness When Life Feels Uncertain EP 110 Jun 20, 2025

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Economic uncertainty, health scares, relationship upheavals, career transitions—sometimes it feels like the ground beneath our feet is constantly shifting. In these moments, happiness might seem not only elusive but almost inappropriate. How can we find joy when everything feels unstable?

The truth is, happiness during difficult times isn't about pretending everything is fine or forcing toxic positivity. It's about cultivating a different relationship with uncertainty itself and discovering sources of joy that aren’t based on our current circumstances.

Hear 3 ways to embrace joy, hope and happiness no matter your circumstances.

What to Do When You Feel Stuck EP 109 Jun 19, 2025

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life, whether you're making a career change, dealing with a family relationship, deciding on a major purchase or wondering how to manage a health concern. We can't eliminate uncertainty but we can develop better ways to move through it.

Here are four powerful questions that can help you find clarity and confidence when the path ahead feels unclear.

1. "What do I actually know for certain?"

2. "What's the worst realistic outcome, and could I handle it?"

3."What information would actually help me decide?"

4. "What would I advise someone else in this situation?"

Start Now, Perfect Later EP 108 Jun 18, 2025

Ages ago I picked up the book “The Courage to Start” A Guide to Running for Your Life by John Bingham. It’s written to encourage the never-runner or the aspiring runner to get started despite the doubts, fears and insecurities that someone who’s never felt they could be a runner let stop them.

The courage to start – is that moment when you finally allow yourself to think, maybe I can do this. Maybe I can be a runner or an artist or a writer or a person who travels the US in a camper with permission to stop anytime you feel like it. Maybe you can – fill in phrase for yourself as you listen.

Our Work is Our Resistance EP 107 Jun 17, 2025

This is a podcast about hope – not politics so in this episode I’m using the term resistance in this context: it’s how we put positive live affirming energy into the a world where the hate and despair seem to grab all the headlines.

Hope and the Work of Resistance

Hope isn't passive. It's not just wishful thinking or blind optimism. Hope is a verb. It's something we do—especially when the odds feel stacked against us. And one of the most powerful ways we express that hope is through our work.

Whether you're building a business, raising a family, organizing your community, making art, or simply showing up to do your job with integrity that is resistance.

Because in a world that often tries to grind us down, choosing to keep going, to keep creating, to keep caring, that’s revolutionary.

What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be? EP 106 Jun 16, 2025

Recently I had the chance to meet up with 2 friends that I seldom get to see in person. We are connected by a common belief in the goodness of humanity and a desire to be people who are choosing love over hate and hope over despair.

This past week, after hugs and how are you’s one of made the comment about how hard it is to be hopeful these days. The news is depressing, and the direction things seem to be heading isn’t much better.

Then one of them shared this quote

“I don’t know what to do, but I do know what kind of person I want to be.”

She explained that this wasn’t her original quote but something she’d heard Brian McLaren say.

It made me see things with a new perspective. No matter what’s happening around us, we can all decide the kind of person we want to be can’t we?

Brian McLaren

Changing Your Perspective When Hope is Hiding Out EP 105 Jun 13, 2025

Some days we just need a quick way to quite the chatter in our heads, or at least change the subject. Today I’m sharing four mantras that can offer gentle hope during difficult times - feel free to use these or create your own.

Having some go-to thoughts that support you will always be better than the endless loop we often get stuck listening to.

My own mental chatter isn’t usually too terrible, but it’s often boring things like “I need to make a list of ….. or what ever task that I’ve been avoiding.

Swapping out those thoughts for one of these always helps me go from distraction and procrastination to focus and action, even if it’s taking a break to clear my head and get some fresh air.

A shift of perspective always does me good and I hope it helps you too.

Atomic Attention: How Tiny Choices Create Big Life Shifts EP 104 Jun 12, 2025

"What you trade your attention for is what your life becomes." James Clear

I realize that if you are listening to this, you’ve given a few minutes of your attention to this podcast, and I hope that you find it worth your time – thanks for that.

What your trade your attention for – so many times we don’t even realizes that what we’re doing. A half hour scrolling social – is that the attention choice you want your life to reflect?

Maybe some days – often we trade our time and attention out of obligation and sheer habit. Doing what we’ve always done.

If your life is reflecting back what you want to see, then carry one, but if you’d like to see a shift in some of those things, then think about how you can be curious about your attention choices.

Hear 3 ways to shift your attention.

Today IS Someday: A Hopeful Reminder to be Intentional EP 103 Jun 11, 2025

We’ve all said it—“Someday I’ll start the project.” “Someday I’ll focus on my health” “Someday I’ll chase that dream.” But here’s the truth: Today is someday. The future we imagined starts now, not later.

Hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s built on intention. It’s what happens when we decide that the things we want are worth showing up for—even in small ways. Every step we take with purpose becomes a quiet act of belief in what’s possible.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right time, consider this your invitation.

Be intentional with your words.

Be deliberate with your energy.

Start small, but start today.

Art as Resistance - How Embracing Creativity Sustains Us EP 102 Jun 10, 2025

In times of struggle, when the world feels heavy or unjust, or if you’re just having one of those days when the easy things feel hard and the hard things feel impossible - creativity becomes more than self-expression—it becomes an act of resistance.

When It's Hard to Have Hope EP 101 Jun 09, 2025

It’s hard to hold on to hope when the images on our screens show military vehicles rolling through our cities, not to protect us, but to intimidate. When peaceful protesters, people simply asking to be heard and seen, are met with force. When the response to unity and justice is tear gas, rubber bullets, and silence from those in power.

Hope can feel naive in moments like these. Fragile. Foolish, even. But hope isn’t about pretending things are okay. It’s about refusing to accept that this is the best we can do. It’s recognizing that our neighbors matter, people we don’t know personally deserve the same respect and dignity that we want for ourselves and the people in our lives that we love and cherish.

After all, everyone is someone’s son or daughter.

100th Episode Reflections and What's Next EP 100 Jun 06, 2025

When I started this podcast back in January, I intended to do this as long as it felt good and as long as I enjoyed writing and recording the content.

Today is episode 100 and I wanted to share a few insights on how things look now that we’ve been doing this a while.

First, let me say that I still like doing this and in some ways it’s easier than ever. I thought I’d run out of things to say but the more I do this, the more hope-related things pop up.

So, I’m going to keep sharing and keep publishing as long as it feels easy and joyful to create and as long as you’ll join me and listen in.

Thanks for being part of a hope movement. When one person looks for the good in the world it helps them, when 100 people do that – it helps us all and if we can get 1000’s of us – it’ll be a movement that can impact a lot of people.

I don’t if that’s where we are going, but I hope so because I believe that there are more kind, well intentioned people in the world and together we can make kindness and hope our superpower.

4 Ways to Tap Into Hope and Optimism When Life Feels Overwhelming EP 99 Jun 05, 2025

When everything feels like too much, hope can feel out of reach. But even in the most overwhelming moments, there are small steps we can take to reconnect with possibility and light.

Here are four simple ways to tap into hope and optimism when you need it most:

1. Pause and Breathe

2. Focus on One Small Win

3. Borrow Someone Else’s Hope

4. Name What You're Grateful For

How Being Part of a Community Builds Hope EP 98 Jun 04, 2025

I’m working with a small cohort of other business owners to update the brand messaging in our business. We work independently and meet on zoom each week to compare notes and get feedback.

It’s a good way to get things done. There’s accountability and deadlines – which really help me keep this as a priority for the 5 or so weeks of this program.

Yesterday, we met in person to film some video footage and meeting everyone in real life was really amazing. We already kinda know each other, but talking in person, watching everyone do their “work” on video had a cool energy that you just can’t experience online.

One of the participants mentioned how meeting in person made her feel more hopeful about her business and the work she’s doing. And of course that reminded me of what we talk about here.

Hope doesn’t thrive in isolation, it grows in connection.

When we’re part of a supportive community, we’re reminded that we’re not alone in our struggles or our dreams. We see others navigating challenges and making progress, and it gives us permission to believe that we can too. Hope becomes more than just a feeling—it becomes something we share and reinforce in each other.

A strong community offers:

• Encouragement when we feel stuck

• Celebration when we take a step forward

• Perspective when things feel uncertain

• Reminders of our own resilience and purpose

How Your Memories Bring New Hope EP 97 Jun 03, 2025

Our memories have a powerful way of bringing the past into the present. These episodic memories—those vivid snapshots of experiences—allow us to recall specific details, reflect on what happened, and even reframe how we see those moments. They help shape our choices, our moods, and the way we move through life. While both positive and negative memories leave a lasting impact, it’s often the emotional extremes—our biggest wins and hardest losses—that stand out most clearly. These memories don’t just live in the past. When we revisit them, they can shift how we feel and influence how we act.

Hope is Like Time: Slow in the Moment, Fast When We Look Back EP 96 Jun 02, 2025

Hope has a funny rhythm to it, kind of like time. When you're in the thick of something hard or uncertain, the days can feel endless. You count the hours, waiting for answers, progress, or even just a little bit of relief. Or maybe the days feel long because we rush from one task to another, feeling like we need to be 3 places at once. When the day ends, we wonder if we accomplished anything at all.
Hope can feel fragile in those moments—like you're holding your breath, unsure when you’ll get to exhale. It can even feel risky to hope, to hold on to the belief that things can get better and we wonder if it’s worth staying hopeful at all. That’s the thing about hope. It doesn’t always feel strong or bright in the moment. Sometimes it’s quiet, steady, barely noticeable—just like the ticking of a clock. But it’s always moving you forward.

When Unexpected Things Happen EP 95 May 30, 2025

I spent a big chunk of one day this week at the hospital with my mom.

Unexpected things happen, like an illness, a missed flight or a cancelled event you’ve been looking forward to. It’s the adult version of a snow day only instead of getting to sleep in and watch TV all day, you have to completely switch your priorities, maybe with very little notice.

Here are 5 practical tips for managing an unexpected emergency when it throws your normal priorities off track:

1. Pause and Assess the Situation

Before reacting, take a moment to evaluate the urgency and scope of the emergency.

Be clear and honest about what needs immediate attention and what can wait for a few hours or a few days.

Clarity helps reduce the urge to panic and begin thinking about all the worse case scenarios and instead we can then make smarter decisions.

2. Communicate Clearly and Quickly

Let key people (family, clients, coworkers) know what’s going on. A simple message like, “I’ve had an emergency come up today—I'll circle back as soon as I’m able,” buys you time and sets expectations.

3. Reprioritize with Purpose

Look at your to-do list and be ruthless.

• What must still get done today?

• What can be rescheduled?

• What can be delegated or dropped or where can you ask someone else to help?

4. Create a “Minimum Viable Day”

If you can’t do everything, aim to do the essentials—just enough to keep life or work from unraveling. This might mean only responding to urgent messages, feeding your kids, or showing up to one critical meeting.

5. Give Yourself Grace

Emergencies happen. Missing a deadline, canceling a call, or letting laundry pile up isn’t failure—it’s flexibility. Show yourself compassion, and know that you’ll regroup when the dust settles.

Unplanned things are going to happen and staying hopeful can happen when you remember that it’s okay not to do all the things, and people in your life will want to help if you let them know what you need.

What if it Does Work Out? EP 94 May 29, 2025

A hopeful reframe for the inner voice that expects the worst.

What If It Does Work Out?

A hopeful reframe for the inner voice that expects the worst.

That inner voice—the one that jumps to worst-case scenarios, plays out every possible failure, and prepares you for disappointment “just in case”—it thinks it’s protecting you. But more often, it’s holding you back.

What if you gave that voice a new script?

What if instead of asking, “What if I fail?” you asked,

“What if it actually works out?”

What if the risk you’re afraid to take opens a new door?

What if the thing you’re dreaming about is possible in ways you can’t yet see?

What if people show up to support you?

What if you’re more capable than you’ve given yourself credit for?

What if you’re the person who is meant to bring that crazy idea to life?

What if on the way to what’s predictable the most amazing unpredictable happens?

Hope isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff, it’s about making space for what’s possible, even if it feels uncertain. It’s about letting yourself believe, even for a moment, that good things could happen.

So today, when fear tries to write the ending, interrupt it. Stop the chatter. Clear your thoughts.

Ask yourself What if it does work out?

And then take a step in that direction.

You might be closer than you think. Here’s to a great day today and an even better tomorrow.

The Future Still Needs You EP 93 May 28, 2025

Why your presence and potential matter, even when you don’t feel it.

There are days when everything feels heavy—when you're tired, uncertain, or just plain stuck. On those days, it’s easy to believe the lie that you don’t matter or that your best days are behind you or that the problems of the world are so big and so complicated that there’s no way what you do can make a difference.

I know this well. I feel that way too.

But here’s the truth: the future still needs us. You and me and everyone who is listening.

The Power of a 1% Better Day EP 92 May 27, 2025

Today we are celebrating small wins and progress over perfection.

We live in a world that glorifies big leaps, overnight success, and “all or nothing” mindsets. But real change, the kind that sticks, rarely shows up all at once. It’s built one tiny shift at a time.

What if today you aimed to be just 1% better? Not perfect. Not finished. Just a little more patient, a bit more focused, a tiny step closer to the life you want.

Hear what 1% might look like for you today.

So today, don’t wait for a breakthrough. Celebrate the small win. Lean into the 1% better mindset and let hope grow from there.

Because you don’t need a perfect day. Just a hopeful one.

The Practice of Hope EP 91 May 26, 2025

We often think of hope as something we either have or we don’t—like a mood that shows up when life is going well. But what if thought of hope differently? What if we didn’t connect it to how we feel at any given moment?

What if we thought about it as something we can build, nurture, and strengthen over time?

In today’s Daily Dose of Hope, I’m reframing hope as a practice that lives in our habits, our thoughts, and our small daily choices. Whether it’s the way we talk to ourselves, the way we set goals, or the way we show up for others, hope grows in the doing.

Find Hope in the "What If" with Teresa Cleveland EP 90 May 23, 2025

In this episode of Your Daily Dose of Hope, guest host Teresa Cleveland shares a cherished memory with her granddaughter that became a lifelong lesson in hope and imagination. During a quiet afternoon together, Teresa playfully suggested to her then-four-year-old granddaughter that she could "kick the sky" while swinging. What began as a whimsical moment blossomed into a powerful metaphor.

As Teresa watched her granddaughter climb onto the swing, pump her legs with determination, and shout with joy, "Grandma, I did it—I really kicked the sky!", the moment solidified two timeless truths:

1. The power of asking “What if?” — Opening the door to possibility can spark hope and courage to try something new.

2. A shift in perspective changes everything — Sometimes, a small change in how we approach familiar routines can lead to pride, excitement, and newfound potential.

This story reminds us that even on the toughest days, we can tilt back just a little, ask “what if,” and find the hope we need to keep going.

The Connection Between Hope and Confidence EP 89 May 22, 2025

At first glance, hope and confidence might seem unrelated. But if we look a little closer, you’ll find they’re more deeply connected and together they help us bring our best selves forward.

Hope says, “Things can get better.”

Confidence says, “I can make things better.”

Here’s how they work together:

• Hope gives you the vision. Confidence helps you move toward it.

• Hope lights the path. Confidence takes the first step.

• Hope says it’s possible. Confidence says, “Let’s go.”

When you nurture one, the other often grows.

4 Questions to Find Your Hope EP 88 May 21, 2025

4 Questions to Ask Yourself When You Need to Feel More Hopeful

When life feels heavy or uncertain, hope can feel just out of reach. But hope isn’t something we find outside ourselves—it’s something we can find within. One powerful way to do that is by asking the right questions. Here are four thoughtful prompts that can gently shift your perspective and open the door to possibility and hopefulness.

1. What’s something small that went right today?

2. Who believes in me, even when I forget to believe in myself?

3. What’s one thing I’m looking forward to?

4. When have I made it through something hard before?

Looking back and reflecting on your strength and resilience reminds you that struggle isn’t the end of your story. It’s often the start of something new. It also gives us confidence because we know we can do it because we’ve done it before.

These questions won’t magically fix everything, but they can help crack the door open to light. And sometimes, that’s all hope needs—a way in.

Here’s to a great day today and an eve better tomorrow.

We Can Do Hard Things EP 87 May 20, 2025

We can do hard things. I know that’s a popular phrase and the title of a podcast and book by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle. I first heard that a few years ago from a friend who was dealing with a health challenge and that’s what she told me. She said – we can do hard things.

And she was right. What’s baked into that message is hope and resilience. It’s an acknowledgment that life isn’t always perfect, and it reminds us that we can navigate the challenges ahead.

I also love that it’s WE as in more than one. We’re not meant to do the hard things in life alone. There’s hope and wisdom in admitting that – even if it’s quietly to ourselves in a difficult moment – and knowing that we’re going to need the help and support of others.

I also like the optimism of that statement. It’s an admission that we won’t shy away from pursuing things that are hard, or challenging. It’s an acknowledgement that what’s on the other side of doing something that’s hard – is worth it.

Lots of things in life require us to grow, to take the step that’s not guaranteed, or do the thing that feels scary but necessary.

In that way, I feel like it’s a mantra. Something we can say over and over as we take a risk, or challenge ourselves to expand and grow.

We can do hard things. Yes, we can. Hope can help us get there too. After all, hope is how we look at the difficult thing and know that we have what it takes to go on. It’s hope that lets us look past the obstacle and see the reward instead.

I hope that today is an easy day full of fun and joy, but if it’s not, then I send you hope and encouragement and a reminder that it’s not always going to be like this and that good days are ahead.

We can do hard things.

Here’s to a wonderful day today and an even better tomorrow.

We Can Do Hard Things Book

We Can Do Hard Things Podcast

Joy in Everyday Moments EP 86 May 19, 2025

Today is a special day. Not because anything extraordinary is happening, but because you’re here. It’s another day that you get to show up and do the things that bring you joy, be with the people that you love and soak up the love they share with you.

It’s easy to let days get away from us. It’s not that exciting to celebrate doing laundry or going to work, or any of the other things that make up the day-to-day part of our lives. I think that’s why we HAVE to celebrate the joy in everyday moments – because it’s what makes up a huge part of our lives.

Are some days more exciting than others, sure. Can every day be the best day ever? I have been thinking about that question. What makes the day – a best day? Is it where we are, geography? Is it what we’re doing – activity the actions we’re taking? Is it the people we’re with?

For me, it’s often a blend of all 3. Being with people I care about is really important, and doing something I enjoy and value is too. Geography maybe less so but being at the beach – for example – is definitely going to make it a best day ever.

Even if nothing else of note happens.

I want to find ways to make more days feels special, to mark the passing of time with some joy in small moments. Partly because I think we can all use more joy in our lives. It’s one of those things you literally can’t get too much of.

I also know that when I can recognize the good things in my life, I can better manage the things that are challenging.

Hope is like that too. It’s the way we can find the bright spot in the middle of a day that’s full of things like cleaning the kitchen, and eating leftovers because you just don’t feel like cooking.

I hope your day is a joyful one, but even if it’s not, then I hope you can at least take a minute or two , 120 seconds – to find a moment of hope or a little sprinkle of joy for what is.

Songs that Inspire Hope (and are great for your hope playlist) EP 85 May 15, 2025

1. “Rise Up” – Andra Day
2. “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
3. “Keep Holding On” – Avril Lavigne

2 Stories That Inspired Hope EP 84 May 15, 2025

Two powerful and very different books that explore the theme of hope are The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. While their styles and settings vary, both offer meaningful reflections on how hope can survive—even flourish—in the face of hardship, loneliness, and change.

What Hope Sounds Like 5: Quotes to Light the Way EP 83 May 14, 2025

Here are five powerful quotes about hope—each offering a unique lens on what it means to hold on, rebuild, or begin again:

1. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
— Desmond Tutu
This reminds us that hope doesn’t require perfect conditions—it just requires a glimpse of possibility. Even in our darkest hours, the presence of hope means the light hasn’t disappeared.

2. “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.”
— Martin Luther
Hope is often the silent force behind every action, invention, and movement forward. It’s the belief that what we do matters and that the future can be shaped by our efforts today.

3. “Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.”
— Anne Lamott
This quote speaks to the courage of showing up when the outcome is uncertain. Hope isn’t passive—it’s persistence.

4. “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.”
— Christopher Reeve
Here, hope is framed as a decision—a turning point. Choosing hope opens the door to potential, even if we don’t know what comes next.

5. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tune without the words—and never stops at all.”
— Emily Dickinson
A poetic reminder that hope is quiet but constant, nestled deep within us, often singing when we least expect it.

3 Steps to Reclaiming Hope EP 82 May 13, 2025

When hope feels lost, it can be hard to see a way forward—but even the smallest step can begin to shift your perspective. Here are three things you can do to begin reclaiming hope:

1. Name what you're feeling—without judgment.
2. Look for a single bright spot.

3. Ask for help or let someone in.

4 Hopeful Things You Can Count On EP 81 May 12, 2025

There are 4 fundamental truths about hope that you can always count on. That's today's Daily Dose of Hope.

Hope in Everyday Experiences EP 80 May 09, 2025

Hope doesn’t always arrive with trumpets or grand announcements. More often, it shows up quietly—like the first light slipping through the curtains after a long night.

You might recognize hope in a deep breath before a difficult conversation. In the moment someone offers kindness without expecting anything in return. In the way a child believes tomorrow will be better, just because.

Sometimes hope looks like getting out of bed even when your heart is heavy. Other times, it's daring to dream again after a setback. It's in the laughter you didn’t expect, the idea that won’t leave you alone, or the simple fact that you're still showing up—still trying.

Hope is in the decision to ask for help instead of suffering in silence. It's in the way we plant seeds in a garden before the last frost is gone. It's in the quiet choice to try one more time—at healing, at creating, at connecting.

Hope isn’t blind optimism. It’s the courage to believe that change is possible, even when you can’t see the full path yet. It’s not about pretending things are perfect—it’s about trusting that better is still within reach.

So today, pause for a moment. Look around. You may be more surrounded by hope than you think.

Crumbs of Hope EP 79 May 07, 2025

Hope has holes in it’s pockets. It leaves little crumb trails that we, when anxious, can follow it. Hope secret: it doesn’t know the destination it only knows that all roads begin with one foot in front of the other.

Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

I love the idea that there are crumb trails of hope don’t you? It’s such a great mental visual that reminds me we find hope when we look for it. There’s always something that will be there for you when you need it, if you are willing to look.

The poem also reminds us that hope is an active thing. It often requires action, a metaphorical step forward from where we are towards where we want to be.

Hope is Good for Your Mental Health EP 78 May 06, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, is celebrated to increase awareness about mental health and wellness, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected by mental illness. It provides a national platform to educate the public, advocate for better policies, and encourage open conversations about mental health.

I am not a mental health expert, but I know that hopefulness helps our mental health so I want to share a few things that mental health experts want us to know and be aware of.

• Increased Awareness:

The month aims to raise public understanding of mental health issues, including their prevalence, impact, and potential for prevention.

• Reducing Stigma:

By openly discussing mental health, the stigma associated with mental illness is reduced, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

• Promoting Support:

Mental Health Awareness Month provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to offer support to those struggling with mental health challenges.

• Advocacy for Better Policies:

The month serves as a catalyst for advocacy, encouraging policy changes that prioritize mental health care and access.

• Celebrating Recovery:

Mental Health Awareness Month also recognizes the progress and resilience of individuals who have recovered from mental illness. In the US 1 in 4 of us will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder this year and 50% will have have a mental health disorder in our lifetimes.

What's One Hopeful Thing You Can Do Today? EP 77 May 05, 2025

I want to talk about recognizing what makes you feel hopeful, in good times, in everyday moments and yes, in those times when you are frustrated or sad or worried. We all know that our thoughts determine our feelings, but many times it feels the other way around. In moments of sadness or distress it can feel like my brain is in a loop of one worrying thought after another.

There are legitimately challenging things that happen in life and pretending that things are okay when they aren’t, isn’t helpful or healthy, but neither is catastrophizing and thinking about the worst-case scenario either.

I talked the other day about having a list of hopeful things you can turn to, and this is another take on that idea. What’s one thing you can do when you need a bit of hope?

How a One-Sentence Daily Journal Inspires Hope EP 76 May 02, 2025

I recently read a book about a midwife from the 18th century who kept a journal and the entries were often 2 or 3 sentences at the end of each day it a shorthand summary style.

Example: Cold today. Checked that Dolly’s fever is gone. I was home.

And that made me think of modern day bullet journaling.

I’ve tried it but it didn’t work for me but now I have a new idea and it could be a great recording of hope. We know it’s a renewable resource – so what if writing once sentence at the end of each day make it easier to be filled with hope?

Daily Gratitude’s

Growth Moments - Track instances where you stepped outside your comfort zone or overcame a challenge.

Future Dreams – Dreaming on a daily basis is a great way to keep looking at what’s possible a key element of hope.

Acts of Kindness – You could log those you do for others – imagine what a world it would be if we were all making sure we did one act of kindness every day so our journal wouldn’t be empty.

Small Victories – A game-changer if you have to acknowledge one thing each day that you did well.

Something Beautiful – just thinking about doing this made me smile. Will I have multiple entries about my cats or the hummingbirds – probably!

Summoning Courage – this one I want to think about because my first instinct was to say – I can be courageous everyday – can I? Can you?

A Hopeful Moment – this is what these recordings do for me right now – it makes me think about hope, and why and how it keeps showing up. What if you did the same?

Even a few minutes each day spent reflecting on the positive can significantly shift your perspective over time. I hope you’ll pick one and start – maybe challenge yourself to try this for 10 days and then see how you feel?

Hope, kindness, gratitude, courage – all renewable and never-ending resources for us to use.

Your Tomorrow Self Wants You To Do This EP 75 May 01, 2025

I’m sure you are familiar with the concept of your tomorrow self. I use this little trick when I really need to take care of something I’d rather avoid or do something I don’t want to do.

Reminding myself that tomorrow Phyllis will be really happy it’s done, is a good way to stop procrastinating and get it done. It’s crazy how I can dread something that ends up not really taking that long.

Lots of wasted mental energy there!

Recently I was looking through some old journals and planners where I keep notes on clients, things I need to do and general reflections of what’s going on at the time. I flipped through a few and there were notes on things that at the time felt really hard, or were causing me lots of anxiety – and looking back with the gift of reflection I can see that things generally worked out.

That’s when the lightbulb moment hit me – What am I obsessing about now that will not be that big a deal to future Phyllis? Maybe not tomorrow me, but me in a couple years or so. Can I see how I might be allowing something to take up more mental anxiety than is necessary?

Hope Beyond Always and Never EP 74 May 01, 2025

It’s okay to let go of always and never.

Not much in life is that consistent. Sometimes I think our desire to have calm, predictable days and weeks leads us to fight against the always things that don’t show up or to not acknowledge the never things that do.

Hope Beyond "Always" and "Never"

In a world of uncertainty, we cling to absolutes. "This always happens" or "that never works out." These rigid beliefs offer the illusion of control but often leave us frustrated when reality refuses to conform.

Hope operates differently. It doesn't demand guarantees or perfect patterns. Instead, it thrives in the spaces between absolutes—finding possibility where certainty fails.

When we embrace hope, we release ourselves from the tyranny of "always" and "never." We understand that today's failure doesn't predict tomorrow's outcome.

Hope whispers: "Things change. Patterns break. Exceptions exist."

This isn't blind optimism but a clear-eyed acknowledgment that life's complexity defies absolute rules. The friend who "always" cancels might surprise you. The promotion that "never" comes could be around the corner.

By trading rigid certainties for hopeful possibilities, we find freedom. We respond to life's unpredictability not with frustration but with curiosity. We remain open to the exceptions that break every rule.

In the end, hope doesn't eliminate disappointment—it simply places it within a larger story that hasn't finished unfolding. And in that unfinished space, we find the courage to try again.

Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use. Wendell Johnson

Here’s to letting hope fill in when things aren’t certain, leaving room for what’s truly possible.

Your Personal List of Hope EP 73 Apr 29, 2025

Today I want to do something a bit different. Each day I want to share something that will help you find hope or remain hopeful or possible share hope with someone else.

It’s a renewable resource after all and we know it grows the more we share it with others.

Today I want to suggest creating your personal hope list. Use your phone or something easy – don’t make this a big project. It’s best if you go with what comes to you right away.

Who and what in your life keeps you hopeful or gives you hope?

Put it on the list. Be generous, no one else will see this – this is just for you.

I’m going to share 3 things from my list, just for inspiration to help you get started.

Hope is Remembering and Looking Ahead EP 72 Apr 28, 2025

3 years ago, my younger brother passed away. He’d been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer just 3.5 years earlier. I

He never gave up hope. In fact, he packed a ton of living in those years even with 2 surgeries and regular chemo treatments.

I miss him of course, and I wish he was still here and also appreciate his enthusiasm for life and his desire to be clear-eyed about what was most important to him.

As sad as those hospice days were, they also gave me hope. I’m sharing this because it’s an act of hope to live – to show up and do what makes you happy – to let the people in your life know how much that matter to you –

It’s an act of hope to plan for the future, to dream about possibilities

It’s an act of hope to care about others, even people you don’t know

It’s an act of hope to plant a garden, to publish your writing – to start a new job – to reach out to an old friend – to believe that things will get better

Hope is part of remembering what was and planning for what can be.

Here’s to a great day full of hope and possibility and an even better tomorrow

Seasons of Hope Spring Edition EP 71 Apr 25, 2025

I know I’ve talked about this before, but here in Ohio where I live we are finally having some sunny days and temperature that make you want to kick off your boots and go grab your flip flops. And there’s nothing like it.

I love it all and try to appreciate it all as well.

Life has a seasonality to it too. I’m truly hopeful for what’s next. I hope you are too wherever you are – that you can look back with appreciation for what you’ve accomplished and overcome and look forward with hope for the future.

Dolly Parton: Ambassador of Hope EP 70 Apr 24, 2025

I once heard someone refer to Dolly Parton as in American treasure and I think that feels right. she's is beloved by people in the country music world and her popularity has exceeded Way Beyond her humble Tennessee upbringing.

I consider Dolly an ambassador of Hope because she’s always done things on her terms with thoughtfulness for others. In 2023 she published a beautiful book titled Behind the Seams, that is about all of her costumes and gowns and wigs and all of her clothes that she wore through the years.

As a young musician and performer, before she was the famous Dolly Parton she is today, she had the presence of mind to keep the clothes that she wore. Before she was a big star.

I find that hopeful. She came from humble beginnings and she talks about this in the book about how why she's always worn big sparkly clothes and high heels and the big wigs she explains that they made her feel beautiful and special.

The value of cherishing her clothes for herself it's such an act of hope. She did not know back in the '60s and '70s that she was going to be the Dolly Parton that we all know and love today, or maybe she did!

It reminds me that when we're willing to be true to who we know we are, be true to what we know is right for us, what makes us feel good, good things will happen.

Behind the Seams photo credit: Alexander Krivitskiy Unsplash

Your Are Allowed to be Happy EP 69 Apr 23, 2025

Today I'm reading a post written by someone who made such a great point that hope and happiness are ours to treasure, even if things aren't perfect. 3 minutes of happiness!

Hope in Daily Moments EP 68 Apr 22, 2025

Life Experiences That Give Hope

• Witnessing unexpected kindness - Those moments when

someone goes out of their way to help another without expecting anything in

return remind us of the fundamental goodness that exists in humanity, even

during challenging times.

We also know that our brain releases feel-good chemicals

when we show kindness to others, received kindness ourselves and witness the

kindness – it’s the ultimate win/win/win.

• Recovering from failure or setback - The experience

of falling down but finding the strength to get back up proves our resilience

and teaches us that difficulties are temporary, not permanent conditions of

life.

It’s often when we may need to ask for help or acknowledge

that we can’t do everything on our own. I want to be the kind of person that

people come to when they need support, and I also want to be willing to ask for

help when I need it.

• Reconnecting with old friends - When relationships

survive distance and time, it demonstrates that meaningful connections can

endure and even deepen, showing us that some bonds transcend circumstance. Are

you good at keeping in touch? That’s something I’d like to do a better job of –

my mom was great at this. She kept in touch with letters and cards – and then

phone calls with people for year. To this day, she still gets phione calls from

a woman who befriended her when they were stationed in Florida in the 60’s. Her

friend is in her 90’s and my mom is in her 80’s and they still do that.

So much of life feels planned – we have routines and

structure and I’m glad for that too – who wants chaos? Not me – a nice surprise

now and then – that’s cool. I remind myself and I want to remind you too that

you can Be intentional about the kind of day you want to have, the kind of

person you want to be. There’s hope in choosing. Here’s to a great day today

and an even better tomorrow.

Something To Hope For EP 67 Apr 21, 2025

Tom Bodett, author, NPR essayist, and if that doesn’t ring a bell, you may know him as the Motel 6 spokesman has said: “They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”

That sounds right to me too. Something to hope for keeps popping up so I decided to share a few things that we might not always connect with being hopeful to remind us that the day-to-day things help us keep hope alive and well.

My good friend Teresa Cleveland reminds me that gardening is an expression of hope. Planting seeds, hoping for the right about of sunshine and rain and the right temperatures are all required to get to the blooms or the harvest. If you’ve planted something in the past, or are getting ready to, remember that you are embodying what it means to be hopeful.

One of my favorite Dolly Parton songs has lyrics that say “I can see the light of the clear blue morning and everything’s going to be alright, it’s going to be okay.” A new sunrise, a new day, the cycle of life reminds us that nothing stays the same – so if things feel dark now and then, remember it won’t’ always be so.

Belonging, be part of communities - organizing to solve problems, choosing to pull together – that’s incredibly hopeful to me. When we do that,we are saying individually and as a group, I believe things can be better and if you’re involved it’s also choosing to be part of the solution. Action always boosts our hope.

Lots of life experiences remind us that hope helps. Things like surviving chemo and the day comes when you wake up feeling a little bit better, being the new kid in school – I did this a few times and having someone invite your to sit with them at lunch, getting the promotion you’ve worked hard for and even a setback like not winning a big game but knowing you did your best - lots of things remind us that today can be better than yesterday and tomorrow can be better than today.

I hope you’ll find a few of your own version of “something to hope for” - here’s to a great day and an even better tomorrow.

The Connection Between Empathy and Hope EP 66 Apr 18, 2025

Empathy—our ability to understand and share the feelings of others—serves as a profound bridge between human hearts. It allows us to step outside ourselves and truly see the world through another's eyes. But there's another dimension to empathy that's often overlooked: its intimate relationship with hope.

When we practice empathy, we don't just connect with another person's pain or joy; we create the possibility for transformation. This connection forms the foundation for genuine hope—not wishful thinking, but a grounded belief that things can improve through our shared humanity.

How Empathy Cultivates Hope

True empathy involves more than sympathy. When we empathize, we:

1. Acknowledge another's reality without judgment

2. Create space for authentic expression

3. Recognize our fundamental interconnectedness

The Power of Both/And Thinking EP 65 Apr 17, 2025

When the World Feels Overwhelming EP 64 Apr 16, 2025

When life feels overwhelming, especially when confronted with deeply troubling events or information that seems beyond our control, it's important to find constructive ways to respond while taking care of your own wellbeing.

Start with self-care

Verify information

Constructive action

Find community

Maintain perspective

Remember that even when facing serious challenges, small positive actions matter. Throughout history, positive change has often started with individuals taking modest but meaningful steps in their own communities.

The Hope and Power Of Moments EP 63 Apr 15, 2025

The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact

Reading the Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath has me thinking about how to stretch for insight. They explain in the book that sometimes the most powerful moments are what also provide us with the unvarnished insight into ourselves.

While I'd like to think I'm self-aware, we all have blind spots and areas where we can't really see ourselves objectively. Think of a moment when you got a personal AHA. Maybe it was when you realized who you wanted to spend your life with. Did it happen in a flash? Maybe it was when you were in college and a class or experience helped you see what you really wanted to do with your life.

Insightful moments can also be when we get a scary diagnosis and we realize that we can't spend one more year working 12 hour days to make someone else's dream come true, or maybe you talk to a friend who is dealing with a loss and you know in that moment that you want to be intentional about the time you spend with the people you love.

Plan for Perfect, Hope for What's Possible EP 62 Apr 14, 2025

Would it be nice to have perfect days where everything goes as planned, you're in flow and the effortless achievement yields an impact that's helpful, honorable and kind?

A few years ago I attended a seminar with Donald Miller the developer of the Storybrand method and book, along with the book Hero on a Mission among others.

Hero on a Mission

One of the things that stuck with me beyond the marketing info was the idea of planning for your ideal day, the perfect solution, the best version of your work and yourself. But he didn't stop there. Plan for perfect, while also understanding that it's rarely possible.

What's the point? Well, for one, not settling for what we "think" is possible but what we WANT to be possible. For many of us, that's a new way of thinking. We've been taught to be "reasonable" and many of us were taught that wanting "too much" was selfish at best and greedy and sinful at worst.

We've all heard the platitude hope for the best, plan for the worst and it feels like a common sense approach and I'm sure it's meant that way but I think plan for perfect, hope for the absolute best and be prepared to adapt as needed works much better.

#affiliatelink

When It's One of Those Days EP 61 Apr 11, 2025

It’s been one of those days.

Sometimes it feels like whiplash. Something happens and throws me off. In my personal and professional life things are going well. I’m fortunate to own a small business that I enjoy working in and working on. I love my clients and I get to do fun things like this podcast.

Personally I am also fortunate. I am married to my best friend and the best husband ever .Kelvin and we work together, pretty well actually, and we are both dealing with the aches that come with getting older (my knee is killing me) but we’re okay. Better than okay.

We’re good.

And still, I can’t watch the news, I curate the alerts I get to keep from spiraling into rage posting or panicking and saying things like “we should sell the house and move while we still can” and checking to see what condos cost.

It reminds me how resilient we really are. Difficulties and hard times are unfortunately going to happen – hopefully not often and hopefully not too severe but none of us avoid challenges in our life.

That’s why hope matters so much. It’s the tether that pulls us forward, that reminds us that things can improve. Tomorrow isn’t already written and what we do today matters. If you’re in a good place, I’m happy for you and if you’re having challenges, I so sorry things aren’t going better and to everyone I’m sending hope for a great today and an even better tomorrow.

3 Things That Grow Hope EP 60 Apr 10, 2025

3 Things You Can Do to Foster Hope for Yourself

Hey there! I've been thinking about hope lately and how important it is for our wellbeing. When things get tough, having hope can be that little spark that keeps us going. We know that taking action is one of the best ways to keep hope alive so today I have three simple things you can do to foster hope for yourself when you're feeling a bit lost:

The Seasons of Hope EP 59 Apr 09, 2025

Living where we have 4 distinct seasons has always been good for me. I like that things change. It marks the passing of time but it also brings appreciation and hope for the season passing and the new opportunities ahead.

I recently went to an event in an area of town I haven’t been to in a bit and on the way there I saw all these signals of spring. Trees are in bloom, there were daffodils and tulips blooming and all of that has happened in just the last week or so. It feels like overnight we’ve moved from winter to spring.

That got me thinking about seasons of hope and what they could look and feel like.

Let it Be Easy EP 58 Apr 08, 2025

Let it be easy.

That's become a mantra for me lately. In my work and in my life. When I say easy, I don't mean without effort, but I do mean without struggle. I don't intend to do things the hard way but it can sometimes feel like it.

How often do we set up intentional hurdles? More than you might think.

Hurdles give us the psychological comfort of feeling like we're committed to change while actually protecting us from the discomfort of real transformation.

What if we let it be easy?

You can decide to do the one thing that moves you forward. I hope you'll give yourself permission to do the easy thing today.

Who Makes Your Heart Smile? EP 57 Apr 07, 2025

Surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. Lewis Carroll

This was advice given to Alice in wonderland but turns out it's good advice for staying hopeful as well.

Membership matters.

We know that we're wired to be social, to live in tribes or now what we'd call families, genetic and chosen. In the US we're taught that rugged individualism is valued above collaboration and cooperation, but it real life, going it alone is not the best recipe for success or happiness.

I have a ton of evidence and I’m sure you do to. Can you look back on and see when you’ve had the support and encouragement of family and friends? I’ve also benefitted from the support from a teacher and in my sales career I had professional mentors that helped me. I've been able to accomplish more than I would have done on my own.

I’m not talking about dependency on others – I am talking about having some support. Think of it as a scaffold that helps you stay upright and capable of reaching for more.

Today we see all sorts of evidence that being lonely, not having people to turn to is not just sad, it's detrimental to our well-being.

Who makes your heart smile?

The Most Requested Leadership Trait and Daily Practice with Nancy Sheed EP 56 Apr 04, 2025

In this special guest-hosted episode, Nancy Sheed steps in to reflect on how hope is emerging as a powerful force in leadership, media, and everyday life.

Drawing on recent conversations, events, and a Gallup poll showing hope as the most valued leadership trait, Nancy explores how hope isn’t just a feeling it’s a choice, a practice, and a form of resistance.

Along with her personal insights, Nancy invites you to consider how you’re cultivating and spreading hope in your own world.

Connect with

Nancy:

Website

How to Choose Hope Apr 03, 2025

Choosing Hope

In the face of uncertainty, choosing hope is a powerful act of courage. It's not about blind optimism or denying life's challenges. Rather, it's a deliberate stance—a decision to believe that our actions matter and that better possibilities exist.

Hope is the quiet voice that whispers "try again" when everything seems lost. It's what pulls us forward when the path ahead is shrouded in fog. Unlike wishful thinking, true hope combines vision with action, dreams with determination.

The practice of choosing hope begins with small moments: noticing beauty amid chaos, extending kindness when it's easier to retreat, or taking one step forward when standing still feels safer. These choices compound over time, shaping not just our individual experiences but our collective future.

In a world that often emphasizes what divides us, choosing hope is a radical act of connection—to ourselves, to each other, and to a future worth creating together.

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone EP 54 Apr 02, 2025

We've all heard the maxim, get comfortable being uncomfortable. That bit of advice is usually given when we're facing something we don't want to do, or haven't ever done before or something we wish we could avoid completely.

It's essentially saying - get over your fear and do it anyway. Sound familiar? I get that it's meant to be encouraging but who wants to be uncomfortable? None of us do, especially if we have a choice.

I like what author Terri Trespecio says about comfort zones - The goal isn't to get OUT of your comfort zone, the goal is to expand it.

Growth is the goal, not more discomfort.

As a resource it is a game-changer in helping us expand our comfort zones. Hear how hope functions as a spark for growth.

Hope and Confidence EP 53 Apr 01, 2025

Creating this podcast has helped me become a more confident writer and content creator. For a long time, I waited for those magical days when I felt confident and self-assured to sit down and create. That's when I'd really dive in allowing the ideas to bubble up.

I wanted to be able to sit down and write or record or create content (or create art too for that matter) no matter how confident I felt, or didn't feel. committing to publish the Daily Dose of Hope podcast every M-F meant I'd have to do this on a pretty regular basis, whether I was feeling confident and creative or not.

Now that I'm 50+ episodes in, here's what I've learned:

Committing to doing this feels good and the fact that I kept this promise to myself has made me even more confident in my ability to keep going - not less.

Confidence didn't make writing and recording possible, writing and recording made confidence possible.

Hope and Kindness: The Superpower We All Have EP 52 Mar 31, 2025

Let's talk about something pretty amazing: how being kind can totally transform hope in our lives. I know, I know—it might sound a bit cheesy at first, but stick with me here.

Imagine kindness as this secret superpower we all carry around. It's not about grand, movie-hero moments, but those small, genuine connections that can totally change someone's day (and maybe even their entire outlook on life).

Think about the last time someone was unexpectedly kind to you. Remember that warm, fuzzy feeling? That's hope right there—pure and simple. It's like a tiny spark that says, "Hey, the world isn't such a bad place after all."

Here's the cool science-y part: when we're kind, our brains basically throw a little celebration. We release these awesome hormones that make us feel good, reduce stress, and make hope feel totally real. It's like our body's way of saying, "Yes! This human connection thing? It's pretty awesome!"

Patterns of Hope EP 51 Mar 27, 2025

Our ability to recognize patterns is more than just a cognitive skill—it's a source of hope that helps us get through challenging moments. We are wired to seek meaning, to connect dots, and to find order within chaos, and it’s this capacity that also serves as a source of hope and optimism.

Pattern recognition is deeply embedded in our survival capacity. Our ancestors who could predict animal migrations, weather changes, and seasonal shifts were most likely to survive.

This same instinct now gives us the ability to see hope where others might see only randomness. We look for recurring themes in our experiences, searching for predictability and potential positive outcomes even in seemingly unpredictable situations.

Consider how hope itself is a form of pattern recognition. When we face difficulties, we don't just see isolated incidents but part of a bigger picture. We recognize that challenges have come before times when things go our way. That gives us a mental template and a reminder that our current struggles are temporary. This isn't mere wishful thinking—it's a cognitive process of contextualizing our experiences.

The Energy of Hope EP 50 Mar 26, 2025

Hope provides a sense of optimism and a belief in a better future, which can be a powerful source of strength, especially during difficult times or when things are less than perfect.

Hope isn't just an emotion—it's a form of energy that powers us through impossible landscapes. Unlike optimism, which often depends on favorable conditions, hope is the persistent current that flows even when the present evidence suggests things aren’t going our way.

This energy has a unique signature. While fear contracts us and despair depletes us, hope expands our capacity. It fuels us to take action, sometimes doing things we wouldn’t have previously felt possible.

What You Do Matters EP 49 Mar 25, 2025

The mathematics of influence isn't linear, when that unknown first responder ran toward danger rather than away, they couldn't possibly have calculated how far their actions would resonate, They just did what they knew to do to help.

This isn't about heroics or fame. Most world-changing actions never make headlines. They're quiet choices made at kitchen tables, in classrooms, at community meetings. It's ordinary people making extraordinary decisions to stand, speak, act, or simply show up differently.

The difference one person makes isn't measured by immediate outcomes, but by how their actions shift what others believe is possible or permissible. That's the true miracle of individual impact; it never remains individual for long.

What you do, what I do, matters. That’s how we create hope and create better tomorrow’s.

Rituals of Hope EP 48 Mar 24, 2025

In life's darkest corners, rituals of hope flicker like steady lanterns. These aren't grand ceremonies, but rather small, intentional acts we perform to keep faith alive when circumstances tempt us toward despair.

Hope rituals anchor us to possibility. The journal entry that begins "When this passes..." The empty chair kept at the table during separation. The workspace maintained during illness. These quiet ceremonies aren't denial—they're brave declarations that the story isn't finished.

Rituals don’t guarantee outcomes, but they do remind us that we have the capacity to envision them. In this way, the simple act of watering a plant, saving a seat, or lighting a candle becomes a statement: darkness, sadness or disappointment does not get the final word.

4 Ways to Share Hope With Others EP 47 Mar 21, 2025

We know that humans are hard wired for connection.

When those around us struggle to find hope, our presence and actions can make a profound

difference. Here are four meaningful ways to share hope with others:

When Hope Feels Elusive EP 46 Mar 20, 2025

There are times when hope seems to slip through our fingers – it feels elusive and out of

reach. We want to hold onto something bright, only to find ourselves wondering why it’s so hard.

We all have days when things don’t go well, or when we feel out of sorts. It can feel like our thoughts are foggy and it’s hard to focus on anything for more than a few minutes. We feel like the path forward is out of reach if not completely out of sight. When our usual sources of strength and hopefulness eludes us and the very idea of tomorrow feeling different seems impossible.

Even in those moments though, I often find myself noticing a sense of rebellion, not giving

in and not allowing hopelessness to take over.

Hope as a Catalyst for Creativity EP 45 Mar 19, 2025

Hope is more than just a pleasant feeling—it's a powerful force that fuels our creative potential. When we maintain hope, we open ourselves to possibilities that might otherwise remain hidden, allowing us to envision and create beyond our perceived limitations.

The relationship between hope and creativity runs deep. Hope provides the emotional foundation needed for creative thinking to flourish. It creates a psychological space where we feel safe to explore, experiment, and take risks without being overwhelmed by fear of failure.

Hear how creativity and hope work together to help us stay resourceful, make better decisions with less stress and anxiety.

Why Your Daily Dose of Hope Started EP 44 Mar 18, 2025

Today I want to reflect a bit. I started this 8 weeks ago and have shared a post M-F since then

about hope and hopefulness and how it can help us in moments big and small in our lives.

Since then, many have reached out to let me know that you've found this encouraging and I

really appreciate the feedback and the encouragement. Thanks for letting me know and for your suggestions.

A few questions about why I'm doing this have come up so today I want to answer a couple of

those - in the hopes that you find it helpful and to also encourage you as well.

Why hope?

Why a podcast?

How Hope Conquers Fear EP 43 Mar 17, 2025

Today I’m diving into something we all experience: the struggle between hope and fear. These two forces shape our decisions, our outlook, and ultimately, our lives.

The Nature of Fear

Fear is hardwired into us. It's that voice that whispers "what if everything goes wrong?" It's the weight in your chest when facing uncertainty. Fear served our ancestors well—it kept them alive in dangerous environments. But in today's world, fear often holds us back more than it protects us.

Fear narrows our vision. It creates tunnel vision where we can only see potential threats and disasters. It paralyzes us, keeping us stuck in uncomfortable but familiar situations rather than risking the unknown.

The Power of Hope

Hope, on the other hand, expands our vision. It's not blind optimism or wishful thinking—it's a profound belief that things can get better through our actions and perseverance. Hope gives us the courage to take that first step into uncertainty.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "We must accept

finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." This captures the essence of hope's resilience.

How do we get from fear to hope explained in this episode

Hope and Your Health EP 42 Mar 14, 2025

Hope is more than just a positive emotion or an optimistic

feeling. It’s also a powerful psychological resource that impacts our physical

and mental health as well. Research tells us that a hopeful outlook can lead to

health benefits.

We know that hopefulness involves having goals, finding

pathways to achieve those goals, and maintaining the motivation and inspiration

to to pursue them, even when faced with obstacles. This mindset creates

positive effects for our mind and bodies too.

Navigating the Stages of Hope EP 41 Mar 13, 2025

Hope is one of the foundations of our world And what’s even better is that hope isn’t just something we can have, it’s also something that we can give.

Hear the 5 Stages of Hope and how they can help you recognize how you can cultivate and nurture hope.

Hope and Curiosity EP 40 Mar 12, 2025

Hope and curiosity share a special connection. Both look at the unknown with a sense of anticipation rather than fear. While hope helps us envision a better future, curiosity helps us check out the pathways that might lead us there.

Curiosity keeps hope honest. It asks the essential questions: How might this work? What haven't we considered? Where else might we look? Who knows more about this than me? Do I know someone who can help?

Without a curios approach hope can become wishfulness that doesn't feel legit. But when paired with genuine curiosity with hope then new ideas feel grounded and real possibilities instead of just wishing or wondering what if?

Hope and Creativity EP 39 Mar 11, 2025

Hope and creativity share a profound connection because they both require us to imagine what doesn't yet exist. When we create, we bring something new into the world; when we hope, we envision a future different from today.

Creativity gives hope its form and substance. Through art, innovation, and problem-solving, we take things that can feel abstract and make them tangible.

The painter captures the light on single flower, the write brings a loveable character to life, the entrepreneur designs new solutions to problems bringing their own perspective to the solution, the community organizer arranges resources in new ways to serve unmet needs.

In the same way - hope fuels creativity. It provides the emotional resilience to persist through failed drafts, rejected proposals, and uncertain outcomes. Hope whispers "try again" when conventional wisdom suggests giving up.

Rebooting Hope EP 38 Mar 10, 2025

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. Anne Lamott

When our world seems full of challenges and uncertainty, hope can feel like something that once ran smoothly but has mysteriously crashed. Because hope isn't simply optimism or wishful thinking; it's the engine that powers meaningful change and resilience.

Like restarting a computer, we sometimes need to pause, clear our mental cache, and intentionally choose to begin again. Rebooting hope begins with small, deliberate actions.

Ripples of Hope EP 37 Mar 07, 2025

Hope begins as a small spark within us - it's a belief that better days are possible. There's also an energy surrounding hope that extends beyond ourselves. I have always considered hope as a solitary mission - something that's personal and up to me to choose and to nurture. That still feels right to me but I've also seen the effects of hope - and its impact extends far beyond its origin.

Choosing Hope Over Fear EP 36 Mar 06, 2025

"We choose hope over fear. We see the future not as something out of our control, but as something we can shape for the better through concerted and collective effort.

Those words were part of a speech given by President Obama at the UN general assembly in 2014. He went on to talk about how there are a number of things in the world that make us worry if we are safe, and if we can pull together to affect change.

What really hit me as I read the entire speech was how we seem to be in the same place, worried about many of the same things.

Lots has changed since 2014 to be sure, and the players may not be the same, but it's worth remembering that we've gotten through difficult times before which gives us evidence that we can do so again.

Planting Seeds of Hope EP 35 Mar 05, 2025

Here in Ohio, it's still cold but the days are longer and we've seen the sun a bit lately so it feels safe to think of spring.

My good friend Teresa is an amazing gardener. It's one of her passions. She plans her vegetable and flower gardens and every year take joy in tending to and then harvesting and enjoying what she's grown.

But it starts with planting seeds. That's a hopeful act -isn't it? Planting seeds, giving them water and sunlight and hoping they grow - is a blend of knowing what to do - and Teresa does - and ALLOWING the rest to happen.

That part is important too - the allowing. You can't rush it - you can't force things to bloom before they are ready. Patience + knowledge + hope = growth, seedlings that bring their own version of hope for what's to come.

Planting Seeds: A Quiet Act of Hope

Hope With No Agenda EP 34 Mar 04, 2025

I was fortunate to go on a business retreat recently and one of the things that I came away with was the idea of no agenda.

Not the meeting agenda but the "no agenda" idea that sometimes I can do things just because.

Because it feels right in the moment, or because it makes me happy, or because it's something I like to do.

In the business sense I recognized that I can share things that are helpful to others w/o agenda - no expectation of making a sale, or building my list - just being helpful because that's what feels good.

Sometimes I don't do what I feel like doing because someone ELSE had an agenda for me . . all those things I "should" do like clean house instead of reading a book

It's time for some "no agenda" ideas.

Borrowing Hope EP 33 Mar 03, 2025

Sometimes, we can’t find hope within ourselves—but that doesn’t mean we have to go without it. Borrowing hope means you can lean on the belief, encouragement, and vision of others when our own feels out of reach.

That might look like the friend who reminds you of your strength, the mentor who sees your potential, or the community that uplifts you when you’re struggling.

Hope Floats a Poem by Donna Ashworth EP 32 Feb 28, 2025

Hope Floats, a poem by Donna Ashworth

Resources for Hope EP 31 Feb 27, 2025

Today I want to share a few resources that I find hopeful. There's a lot going on in the world at large and most of us are doing the best we can to make good choices and decisions for ourselves and our families today.

Big problems require big solutions and there are times when I feel like nothing I do will really matter. Except it does. We have evidence that when we do what we can to stay grounded and hopeful we find solutions and resources and people who can help.

Here are a few that are helping me - the hope-bringers.

Conditions of Hope EP 30 Feb 26, 2025

One of the things I like best about the idea of holding hope and being hopeful is that it can exist in less-than-favorable conditions.

Hope doesn't require perfection or ease or a plan. In fact, when none of those things are around - that's when hope is most helpful.

Today I'm covering few examples that came to mind for me when i was thinking about how hope can co-exist with all manner of circumstances.

The Infinite Game of Hope EP 29 Feb 25, 2025

I've been thinking about the infinite nature of hope. We all see and experience the world through our own lens after all, but I do think hope is one of those universal truths – one of those things that transcends culture, time and space and everything that makes us all unique humans.

In that way hope is for all of us, everywhere, in any circumstance.

What does it mean to share hope as a resource that can be used again and again like a treasured family recipe, handed down so that others will never not know or go without?

I have some ideas and it's why we're never without access to hope.

When Hope Feels Risky EP 28 Feb 24, 2025

Hope is a risk because it's a choice. It's choosing to move forward when we'd rather quit. It's asking for help when we'd rather not. It's saying I'm worth it when the world wants us to devalue ourselves. It's risky to want things, to hope for a better tomorrow, to have faith that things can improve. Because they might not.

We aren't guaranteed anything in this life - even tho we'd like to think so. One of the biggest obstacles to hope is the belief that things will always be the way they are right now. We tend to settle into a sense of sameness - even when things are anything but.

Change is constant. We know this rationally, but it doesn't mean we always see things that way.

When the simple things we rely on aren't working anymore where do we turn? What can we do?

Hope and Asking for Help EP 27 Feb 21, 2025

Why is it so hard for us to admit we need help now and then?

Is it a woman thing? I don't think so. I know plenty of men who would rather struggle for hours on something before asking for help.

It may be a bit of an American thing. After all, part of being an American is the belief that we can do anything, accomplish anything if we just try hard enough.

But we know that effort alone isn't always enough.

This concept has always frustrated me. I'm willing to work hard and learn new things, take risks, fail and try again, but there comes a time when the right thing to do (air quotes) is to let someone else do what I cannot or at minimum ask for help.

Hope and Advocacy EP 26 Feb 20, 2025

What does it mean to be an advocate? How can self-advocacy help us? I've been thinking about this a lot lately.

Today I see information related to advocacy around things both political and cause related. At it's essence it's taking a stand for myself, for others, for a cause I care about and it's a way to engage with our world.

Big problems often require complex solutions that aren't black and white. The things that can't be solved with a checklist of tasks.

At times that can make us feel that there's nothing we can do that matters.

But that's not right. Advocacy is how we can make a difference.

Hope and Your Tomorrow Self EP 25 Feb 19, 2025

What would your tomorrow self think about what you are doing (or not doing) today? today?

That perspective is helpful for me especially when I'm avoiding a task or project that needs my focus and attention. Sometimes it's little things too. Like emptying the dishwasher. I don't know why I avoided this but a I did and then a couple years ago, I had something heating in the microwave for a couple minutes and decided to deal with putting the clean dishes away and I completed the task in less time than it took my food to cook.

I'd been avoiding something that took less than 2 minutes. That's when it clicked that the story we tell ourselves about how much time things take is often very, very wrong.

Which is why the tomorrow version of things can be so helpful.

Hope and the Kindness of Strangers EP 24 Feb 18, 2025

Car trouble when I was away from home meant I needed to ask for help. Thankfully, there were people who did and who showed concern and kindness in what would have been a much more stressful moment. Their kindness brought me hope and made me think about my own willingness to be helpful and what it means to befriend a stranger if even for a few minutes.

Hope and Affirmations EP 23 Feb 17, 2025

A few days ago I talked about the idea of a bucket of hope - things we carry with us to help us stay hopeful on the days when you need a little help. A friend mentioned that affirmations do that for her. I wanted to know more since that's not something I've really used.

Here's what I've learned:

Neuroplasticity, or your brain’s ability to adapt to different circumstances throughout life, is part of why affirmations can work.

You've likely heard how our brain doesn't differentiate between reality and imagination - that's why affirmations can be so powerful.

For example if you focus on a mental image of yourself doing something — like acing a nerve-wracking interview or practicing a skill - it activates many of the same brain areas that actually experiencing these situations would.

Regular repetition of affirmations can encourage your brain to take these as fact to treat it as reality.

When you truly believe you can do something, your actions often follow.

Remember, action is key

Hope and Mindfulness EP 22 Feb 14, 2025

What's the next thing? I'm a small business owner and many of my days are full of "next things" like the next deadline, the next zoom meeting, the next podcast launch.

I'm guessing you have days like that too. I'm okay with it because I like the work I do and I enjoy our clients so much - they are so talented and smart. It's fun work. But there are days when I spend too much time thinking about what's next instead of enjoying what is.

This moment. right now. today.

There are always things to do and of course it's important to meet commitments and deadlines but - I also think it's okay to be intentional about being in the present.

A few minutes of mindfulness to check in and see how I'm feeling makes a huge difference.

Hope and Your Soul's Purpose EP 21 Feb 13, 2025

What's your soul's purpose? Is that something you think about? I confess wonder now and then about the whole meaning of life - I mean why ARE we here?

My friend recently did a soul reading for me based on a specific practice that she's learned and it was fascinating to hear what felt like my thoughts spoken back to me.

I believe you and I are here for a reason and I think that we are connected in some way for a reason too.

Hope and Truth and Absolutes EP 20 Feb 12, 2025

Why hope? Good question.

There are so many things in life that are unpredictable and outside our ability to change or control - hope is one of those things that makes the uncontrollable feel less overwhelming.

I'm not talking about the rainbow and unicorns - maybe we'll win the lottery kind of hope (not that there's anything wrong with that)

but hope that's grounded in what we know to be true.

About our world and about ourselves.

So what is true? I had a conversation a couple months ago with a friend about this topic. Are there universal truths that apply to all of us?

Hope and Just Let Them” a poem by Cassie Phillips EP 19 Feb 11, 2025

Just Let Them” a poem by Cassie Phillips speaks to the art of releasing control and finding solace in acceptance. It's a simple message that reminds us to trust the choices and journeys of those around us, even when they differ from our own.

The author invites us to embrace the freedom that comes with letting go—freeing ourselves and others to follow our own path, allowing each of us to find our own way.

“Just let them."

Hope is Being Able to See That There is Light EP 18 Feb 10, 2025

We are all driven by things that affect us in a personal way. It's not that we don't care about big issues that may not affect us directly like poverty or military conflicts or natural disasters - of course we do even if we aren't personally impacted - but we experience life in a series of every day moments and repeated decisions - filled with routine circumstances - and often we don't really find ourselves looking for hope until our every day regular-ness or routine-ness is affected.

Then things can go from routine which we're okay with to difficult or even scary. Hope can feel elusive at those times so it's worth nurturing a bit of hope every day.

That concept reminds me of a quote about little bits of hope - and I went searching for the whole thing and it's by Desmond Tutu:

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. Desmond Tutu

Hope Can Take on a Life of it's Own EP 17 Feb 07, 2025

From a fav Michelle Obama Quote: You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.

Be Part of a HOPE MOvement EP 16 Feb 06, 2025

What would it take to make HOPE a movement?

I don't have THE answer but I think part of it has to be sharing what's in our own bucket of hope with someone else.

Today I have 7 things you can do in minutes - that could really make someone else's day and you're going to feel pretty great too.

Be Intentional About What You Let In EP 15 Feb 05, 2025

When I feel my anxiety levels start to rise it's almost always because I've been looking at my phone and scrolling social media or reading news alerts - and when I'm doing that I feel like I'm on autopilot - not really engaged but stuck just the same.

Not the conscious choices I want to make. That reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from James Clear - the Atomic Habits Author is "The Information you consume each day is the soil from which your future thoughts are grown.

We get to choose what we consume. Let's make it hopeful.

Hope and the Company You Keep EP 14 Feb 04, 2025

I asked Chip Conley, the Author and the founder of the Modern Elder Academy what hope meant to him. I got a lovely response that sounds just like his book The Rebel Rules: Daring to be yourself in Business.

He began by saying " Hope for me is rooted in the belief that we each have something unique to share."

He also talked about how our hope and impact affects those we connect with and encourages us to be mindful of who and what we let in.

10 Ways to Boost Hopefulness EP 13 Feb 03, 2025

Hope can be nurtured and we've curated a top 10 list to help you sustain hope in your life.

6 Books Guaranteed to Bring You Hope EP 12 Jan 31, 2025

Sharing some of my favorite authors and their books about hope and resiliency.

Titles:

Man's Search for Meaning

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith

Almost Everything: Notes on Hope

A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well

My Life Gets Better Every Day: Daily affirmations to create joy, improve relationships, and live your very best abundant life.

Let's Make Hopescrolling a Thing EP 11 Jan 30, 2025

What if your social media feeds were hopeful and fun? One way to make that happen is to be the sharer of good news. It's tempting to fire off a snarky comment or post about the latest horrible thing that's happened (I'm guilty of this) but from here on I'm making an intentional effort to be a feed of happiness and hope and I hope you'll join me.

Hope and Trying New Things EP 10 Jan 29, 2025

Trying new things can be fun, rewarding and a way to create new connections. It's also good for your brain, reduces stress, helps you become a better problem solver not to mention the chance to immerse yourself in something that provides new experiences.

Hope and Your Brain on Art EP 9 Jan 28, 2025

The book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us was a fascinating read and it helped me understand the benefits of creating and consuming art. It's not just for experts either. No matter our skill level, we can get the brain benefits, lower stress and more when we engage our creative side.

Quote from the book:

Magsamen and Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years.

What's in Your Bucket of Hope? EP 8 Jan 27, 2025

We've all done it. We carry fears, anger, and past disappointments with us when we don't have to. We drag them around like reviewing past moments of disappointment will somehow make things better or help us make better decisions. What they really do - keep us from moving forward.

All of this got me thinking about what a bucket of hope might look like. What if we carried that around with us? What if we depended on that when we were having a bad day, or ran into an obstacle.

I'm not talking about painting a happy face on challenges that need our focus, but some days go off the rails when we see an unkind post on social media or when we're on day 9 of gray skies and rain and dipping into our bucket of hope could be helpful.

Check out what's in the bucket.

Hope and Gratitude EP 7 Jan 24, 2025

I have a confession about gratitude - for a long time, I just couldn't connect being thankful with being hopeful.

Yes, of course I'm thankful. For all the things. Somewhere along the way things got a bit muddled. Was I thankful that chemo made my husband cancer free, yes but I can't honestly say I was thankful for the actual process and side effects that came with it.

Who would be? Was I thankful he made it, of course, but part of me also wondered why he had cancer in the first place. That wasn't fair, right?

That's why I want to talk about gratitude today - especially as it relates to hope and hopefulness.

The 3 Elements of Hope according to Brené Brown EP 6 Jan 23, 2025

When researching the concept of hope, I knew I'd need to see what researcher and author Brene Brown had to say on the subject.

In her book Atlas of the Heart she declares "We need hope like we need air."

She explains that hope is not a warm, fuzzy emotion rather it's a way of thinking. A cognitive process. An experience that combines 3 elements, goals, pathways and agency.

H.O.P.E. Help One Person Everyday EP 5 Jan 22, 2025

Today I am sharing something I learned from friends O'tion and V. They are two amazing humans who teach people how to heal trauma using what they call SIT which stands for Subconscious Imprinting Technique.

Amazing humans doing amazing work.

In one of their emails a few months ago they used the word hope as an acronym. H O P E standing for Help One Person Everyday.

I loved it then and it's stuck with me. Most of us know that helping others is worthwhile and rewarding. Paying it forward is often used to describe our actions of kindness and generosity - that don't expect any sort of reciprocation or even acknowledgment.

We do good, because we want to feel good and now we know there's science that proves why it literally feels good to help others.

What if This is Why You're Here? EP 4 Jan 21, 2025

What if you are here for just this moment? What if everything I’ve learned, experienced, studied and shared

What if the total life experience to this point is what you needed to bring you this very moment?

And what if this moment is here in front of us because we’re meant to do the thing, make an impact, be a friend, solve a problem, cure heartache, to be the neighbor others can depend on or the leader others need to show them the way?

What if that’s the point?

The 5 Stages of Hope EP 3 Jan 20, 2025

Hope is one of the foundations of our world And what’s even better is that hope isn’t just something we can have, it’s also something that we can give.

Hear the 5 Stages of Hope and how they can help you recognize how you can cultivate and nurture hope.

The Future is in Our Present Moments EP 2 Jan 20, 2025

"The future is an infinite succession of presents", and to live now as we think human being should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.

There's a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, and most of us would say that it's not all bad, there is good in the world to be sure. But there are problems that feel so big - so overwhelming - it's no surprise we wonder if being hopeful is possible.

Quote by Howard Zinn

Take the First Step EP 1 Jan 20, 2025

This is the first episode and since it’s dropping on MLK day I thought it was only right to begin with one of his quotes.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This quote always gives me hope and encouragement.

Life is unpredictable, and despite our best efforts to control circumstances and outcomes we can often find ourselves feeling uncertain. It doesn’t feel good to be unsure and many of us will stop ourselves from taking action just to avoid uncertainty. It’s uncomfortable to be uncomfortable and in an effort to avoid feeling that way, we often resist doing something that’s going to move us forward, and help us feel better.

Today, I'm reminded by Dr. King's words that action is almost always the way forward. Do what you know to do, take the first next step no matter how small or insignificant it may feel. Even if that step is asking for help, you’re moving forward. Often, if we’re truly honest with ourselves, we can identify at least one action to take.

A Daily Dose of Hope Jan 20, 2025

Your Daily Dose of Hope

Start your day with inspiration, positivity, and practical wisdom on Your Daily Dose of Hope. Each episode is a brief, uplifting journey designed to empower you to face life's challenges with resilience and optimism. From heartwarming stories and motivational insights to actionable tips for personal growth, we bring you the encouragement you need to thrive. Whether you're navigating tough times or just looking to add a little brightness to your day, Your Daily Dose of Hope is here to remind you that better days are always ahead. Tune in daily for your much-needed spark of hope!

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