Hope Is a Skill
“Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” — Christopher Reeve
Overall, I am a very hope-filled person. Yet, there have been times when I haven’t always been able to find hope. I wouldn’t say I was hopeless, but I have supported loved ones who were. When providing mental and emotional support for my brother who lived with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as suicidal ideation, I believed he had given up on hope. As he gradually lost hope, I felt hope slipping away for me, too. So much that when our family created our walk team for the local suicide prevention organizations we support, we named ourselves the “Hope Seekers.”
I found my way back to hope. It was a conscious choice—a mindset—and something I have worked on for many years. I have since studied the science behind hope, and what I’ve discovered is nothing short of inspiring.
Hope isn’t just a feel-good emotion, it’s a powerful, measurable driver of well-being. Two large research efforts, including a 14-year study of 25,000 adults, found that people with high levels of hope experience better health, stronger relationships, greater resilience, and improved economic, educational, and employment outcomes. Unlike optimism, which is simply believing things will get better, hope reflects determination, agency, and the ability to take action. Hopeful individuals are less affected by negative life events, adapt more quickly, and feel a greater sense of meaning in life. Researchers emphasize that hope is a skill that can be developed at any age and may be one of the strongest predictors of long-term fulfillment, longevity, and overall quality of life.
3 TOOLS FOR CHOOSING HOPE:
Practice “future-oriented reframing.” We can gently remind ourselves that our current situation is not the whole story. By asking, “What might be possible in a week, a month, or a season from now?” we shift from feeling stuck to imagining possibilities. This small mindset shift interrupts burnout by helping us see beyond today’s stress.
Anchor ourselves in small, meaningful wins. Hope grows when we notice what is working. We can choose one small, tangible victory each day—our loved one smiled, we made a healthy choice, we reached out for support. These micro-moments act as protective factors, restoring motivation and reminding us that progress comes in small steps.
Lean into connection and shared strength. Hope expands when we’re not carrying everything alone. Reaching out to peer supporters, support groups, friends, or family helps us feel seen and less isolated. Connecting with others reinforces the belief that we don’t have to do this by sheer willpower—community helps us remember what’s possible and protects us from burnout.
Hope might feel elusive right now—the world around us feels unstable, complicated, and that all compounds our hard days as caregivers. At Courage to Caregivers, we support the unpaid family caregiver of those living with behavioral health needs or chronic illnesses—to prevent caregiver burnout. If you’re feeling low on hope, reach out. We’re here for YOU. Our goal is to illuminate hope for you. As caregivers ourselves, we’re HOPEgivers, too.