I have a confession to make- I'm addicted to hope.
I look for stories of hope, redemption and change everywhere- sunsets, people watching, books, movies etc. I even find hope reading the obituaries. I read obituaries because you learn about the lives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I especially love when you read an obituary and find out that the person launched a whole new career later in life. Why not launch a new career in your 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's or even after you turn ONE HUNDRED? Every day that you are still breathing, you can create change in the world.
Did you know that Julia Child didn’t start writing her first cookbook until she was in her 40’s? Phyllis Diller never did stand-up until she was in her 40’s. There are stories of woman getting their master's degree or doctorate, in their eighties and nineties. I love these stories because like I said- I AM ADDICTED TO HOPE. I'm not ashamed of my addiction, and I'm not going to join a twelve-step program or therapy to overcome it. In fact, I want to recruit new addicts and infiltrate schools and neighborhoods with chronic cases of hope.
We survived the covid pandemic- but now the world needs a PANDEMIC OF HOPE. The world needs a pandemic case of hope, because many of us have given up on ourselves. We have forgotten that every single day is an opportunity to grow and change. Every living thing needs to continue growing, or it will die and wither.
I know it's sometimes easier to wallow in sadness than to smile. Believe me, I have spent plenty of time face down in my pillow sobbing about my problems. But spending the day crying and feeling sorry for myself only gave me puffy eyes and a headache. Hope has given me so much more; it opens new doors and spreads like a virus to everyone.
Please join me in spreading the addiction.