Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's own life, or the world at large. [1] As a verb, Merriam-Webster defines hope as "to expect with confidence" or "to cherish a desire with anticipation". [2]
The feeling of hope activates areas like the prefrontal cortex—the same region responsible for goal-setting, decision-making, and problem-solving. When we feel hopeful, our brains light up with activity that helps us plan, persist, and persevere.
1. (sometimes plural) a feeling of desire for something and confidence in the possibility of its fulfilment: his hope for peace was justified; their hopes were dashed. 2. a reasonable ground for this feeling: there is still hope.
As humans, we live our lives in a chaotic world, knowing that bad things happen to people every day, yet we are expected to continue moving forward. How do we do this? By finding ways to confront life's dangers with hope, an essential component of our well-being.
Hope is something we can cultivate, something we may borrow in our darkest moments, and something we need to fiercely protect. This is how I came to understand that.
Lester Townes " Bob " Hope (né Leslie Townes Hope; May 29, 1903 – July 27, 2003) was a British-born American comedian, actor, entertainer and producer with a career that spanned nearly 80 years and achievements in vaudeville, network radio, television, and USO Tours. He appeared in more than 70 short and feature films, starring in 54, including a series of seven Road to ... musical comedy ...