Fostering Hope this Year
As we step into a new year, there’s a palpable sense of opportunity and renewal—a chance to reset and refocus on what truly matters. In a world that often feels weighed down by discouragement, isolation, and loneliness, our goal this year is to intentionally cultivate its opposite: hope.
Hope is more than just wishful thinking or a positive attitude; it’s a powerful force that can transform individuals, families, and communities. But how do we cultivate hope in our hearts? The answer lies in one simple truth: the best way to brighten our world is by helping and serving others.
Pope Francis recently shared this powerful message: “The Christian cannot be satisfied with having hope; he or she must also radiate hope, be a sower of hope.” This call to action challenges us not only to hold on to hope ourselves but to actively share it with those around us.
Here are some ways you can foster hope in your relationships and communities this year:
Start with Small Acts of Kindness
Hope doesn’t require grand gestures. It often begins with the smallest, most ordinary acts of kindness. A smile, a kind word, or even a simple text to check on a friend can make a profound impact, especially for someone who is feeling alone or discouraged. These small moments remind others that they are loved, that their life has value, and that someone else has their wellbeing in mind.
Build Hope Through Community
Hope thrives in connection. This year, look for opportunities to serve in your community. Volunteering at a local school or library as a tutor, bringing young girls together to bake for someone, organizing a fun event, or lending a helping hand to a family in need are just a few ways you can get involved. By working together to meet the needs of others, we create a sense of shared purpose that inspires and uplifts everyone involved.
Cultivate Hope at Home
Our homes are often where hope is most deeply felt. Create an environment of encouragement, love, and peace in your household by spending quality time with loved ones, offering words of affirmation, and modeling a spirit of generosity. Make family meals and intentional time a priority. A hopeful hope provides peace not only to those who live there-- it also becomes a place of refuge for anyone else who is welcomed in.
Let Hope Lead Your Year
As you make goals and plans for the year ahead, let hope be your guiding principle. Ask yourself: How can I bring hope to my family? My friends? My community? By choosing actions that prioritize love, understanding, and service, you’ll find that hope becomes a transformative force in your life.
This year, let us be sowers of hope. By radiating kindness, building connections, and focusing on others, we can brighten our world in ways that truly matter. As we share hope with those around us, we’ll find that our own hearts are uplifted, too.
Together, let’s make this year one of renewal, encouragement, and joy—one hopeful act at a time.
To read more about this topic, check out this article on The Science of Hope.
"A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love."
— St. Teresa of Calcutta
Bringing Hope to the Homebound
Bringing hope to the homebound is a beautiful way to uplift those who may feel isolated or forgotten. Small, thoughtful gestures can make a greater difference than we realize. Here are some examples of ways you can reach out to someone who might need some encouragement:
Find a game or puzzle to do with an elderly or sick person in your life. Spending some quality time on a fun activity can brighten their spirits and remind them that they are not alone.
Make a care basket for a mom who is at home on bedrest, struggling with pregnancy or postpartum, or going through a miscarriage. Set a reminder on your phone to send them a text every week to check in on them. These seasons of motherhood can feel incredibly isolating, but just letting a woman who is struggling know that you see them and are there for them can make a world of difference. (If you’re a mom who needs some encouragement yourself, check out this article from Hope Filled Homestead).
If someone you know is homebound, but you don’t live in the same place, send them a letter asking to be pen pals. Ask questions that spark positivity, like “what is something that made you laugh recently?” or, “what is one of your favorite memories?” Including surprises in your letters, like photos or bookmarks can make them even more special and something the other person can look forward to.
Bringing hope to others can come in many forms, but we hope these examples give you some good ideas of how to connect with different people and bring hope to those around you who are struggling.
Bringing Hope Through Food
One powerful way to connect with and bring hope to others is by sharing delicious food with those around you! The young ladies of Milwaukee and women of New York recently spent time honing their culinary skills and learning all about serving others through hospitality, warmth, and breaking bread (literally!).
Check out these amazing photos from their recent events, and click here to find seminars like these near you!
