Hope to Endure

Once you choose hope, anything's possible. ~Christopher Reeve

Hope exists within a realistic context of uncertainty

While some people look at the glass as half empty  those with an optimistic and hopeful attitude sees the glass as half full. The same can be said for some who deal with the realities of chronic pain and illness. While some people come to believe that there is little that they can do to make themselves feel better, others come to believe that they have the ability with in them to deal more constructively with their illness, even if it means moving away from the most common therapies and medical treatments.

 

Hope is a crucial antidote to fear

The unknown that lies within a diagnosis of chronic pain and illness, raises many fears and anxieties. Unlike the person who denies the reality of the diagnosis in an effort to avoid having to deal openly with frightening and unsettling emotions, a person with hope realizes that the future may not turn out as he or she would like and, nevertheless, chooses to believe the future is open for change. Such a person focuses on future potential rather than growing limitation.

 

The “meaning” and “purpose” of our lives is intertwined with hope

When you have Hope, then you have the ability with in you to find your purpose in life despite you illness. The meaning for your existence is found within your own heart, where love resides. As you look around you at those people that are an active part of your life, and at those that love you despite your growing limitations, you can help but look at yourself in a new light. One in which hope burns brightly with possibilities can make your life make sense.

 

Action requires hope

In order to plan for the future, you must be willing to a more proactive when it comes to your health issues. This means that you cannot simple depend upon your doctor to have all the answers. You need to be willing to do research the latest medical advances and to take part in decisions concerning treatment options; a person needs the ability to imagine that his or her efforts may be at least potentially successful. Even if it means saying no to medications and treatments that may cause you more harm than good.

 

Hope permeates all dimensions of a person's life

People with hope have a greater sense of energy. Most of the time their mood is more likely to be up than down, despite obstacles. Because they feel more confident, they ask more questions. They are also more persistent and a busy, impatient doctor may not view them as "good" patients, while more passive, and less hopeful, patients may be.

 

Hope expects - and needs - reinforcement and external support

Without the support of loved ones and friends, it is very hard to deal with chronic illness and pain .We were never designed by God to live on an island. As a result, when we are battling our illness, we need to stay connected to people willing to support us. But only with those people that can promote hope in our lives, and not those that have negative attitudes that tear down our self-worth. Even when choosing a medical professional, we must choose wisely. And only accept help from those doctor that can be honest and uplifting with us.

 

There are many sources of hope

For some, hope arises from a belief that research can discover a cure. For others hope arises in their belief is in their doctor knows best and put themselves in the hands of their medical professional. But for those of us that have a relationship with the Lord, our hope comes from a God Himself. Knowing that without Hope, there is not chance that our struggle will get easier.