Sometimes, it feels like things just won’t get better. It’s like the harder you try, the worse the situation gets. You fall into a cycle and before you know it you’re stuck feeling hopeless. The feeling of hopelessness is one that can be overcome with a wide array of practices and activities. Let’s have just one convo about overcoming hopelessness. 

How does hopelessness feel?

Experiencing hopelessness is having a negative viewpoint for the future. It is the loss of control, confidence, courage, and energy to reach one’s goals.¹ Feeling this way takes all the fun out of life. Everything you do seems more like a chore and responsibility than something that you get to enjoy. It’s important to know how to name this feeling so you can take care of yourself with adequate measures. 

For instance, you may think you’re just tired or stressed. You respond by sleeping often or removing yourself from activities, but the dreadful feeling still persists. What do you do then? How does this feeling go away? It’s important to know how to name the emotion. 

Tool: This emotion wheel is a great tool to use when naming how you feel. 

Check out this podcast episode:

What causes us to feel this way?

Expenses are rising, war is occurring throughout the world, relationships are difficult to maintain…the list of losing hope goes on and on. Considering we live in the age of social media, we are constantly reminded of the negativity that surfs the web. You can lose hope for many reasons. There is no limit on how you perceive this loss in your life. I don’t want you to read this post and feel discouraged by experiencing hopelessness. As crazy as this next sentence will sound, feeling hopelessness, to some degree, is a normal part of the human experience. 

You are not alone if you are experiencing this emotion. If you were alone, this blog post would’ve never been written. I’ve felt hopeless, too. Let’s talk about some practical ways to overcome this feeling of hopelessness. 

Tips on overcoming hopelessness

I want to share with you two major ways that helped me increase the feeling of hope in my everyday life. Accordingly, I would be remissed if I didn’t give credit to our Father God for helping me realize these practical strategies. 

Before moving forward, it’s important to know that hope is the confident expectation and desire for something good in the future. Being hopeful acknowledges that no matter how the situation looks right now, it will only get better. 

In fact, we see this idea of hope reflected in Jeremiah’s letter inspired by God who said “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). If you remember Romans 8:28, God inspired Paul the Apostle to write about how all things will work together for good for those who love God. 

Experiencing hope is a direct result of trusting God’s word over you life. In case you’re struggling with unbelief or trusting God, check out the next section. 

Reveal then reframe your thoughts

If you’ve read my other posts, you will know I am big on journaling being a saving grace. In other words, journaling is a great way to observe your thoughts. You get to be honest with yourself and write how you feel. No one has to see what you journal, therefore, that paper becomes a safe space and judgement free zone. You need space where you can be yourself no matter what your mood may be. 

Consequentially, you free up space in your mind after you’ve written down your thoughts. If you don’t free that space in your mind, then you feel overwhelmed and stuck in the recurring, negative thought patterns. You have the power to overcome hopelessness by doing what’s in your control. 

Journaling is a small, but mighty practical strategy when inviting hope into your life. Do this activity as often as you can. See if there are any repeat thoughts that you have and reframe them into a positive aspect. 

For example, you may say “I can’t get this right! I’m not capable of doing anything good.” You can reframe this thought by saying “I may not get it right just yet. I have room for improvement.” As a result, when you acknowledge that you have room for improvement, you can take actions that move you towards your goal. 

Revealing and reframing your thoughts take you from being stuck and stagnant to being open to opportunity and ready to take action. This option is 100% in your control. Taking control over your life increases your ability to change your situation. If you don’t feel like you can do it alone, you don’t have to. That’ is why you need to identify your support circle. 

The Support of Friends and Family can turn Hopelessness to Hopefulness 

Without a doubt, there is someone that loves you to the depths of your core. (I was going to say “someone who loves your dirty drawls” but that’s a gross analogy inserts laughing emoji). The feeling of hopelessness can cloud your vision from seeing the people who love you with their whole heart. Although, I’m only meeting you through a screen, you can not convince me that there isn’t someone who thanks God that you are a part of their life. 

Having a support circle who shows up for you is one of the greatest feelings in the world. People who love you can be a reflection of the love you deserve. They can pour into you. They can lift you up when you’re down.

Have you ever experienced that friend who can make you laugh until your stomach hurts? Specifically in that moment, it seems like all your worries go away. Being supported is a very healing experience. 

You have people who are there for you. They may not be equip to help you with everything you share with them, but I’m sure they can be a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and someone you can just exist with. 

Ask your friends and loved ones if you can lean on them when you’re not feeling strong. Be sure that you offer that same space to them when you’re feeling better. 

Song of the Post: Lean on Me 

Overcoming hopelessness is possible when you believe 

Overcoming any overwhelming feeling is a process. Your healing will not happen overnight – it will take time. Some of those times, you will fail and fall back into the same negative thought patterns. I want to remind you that it is all part of the journey. Don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself fixated on what went “wrong.” Offer yourself grace during every step of this space.

If you don’t feel like you can do this work yourself, be encouraged to reach out to a therapist or licensed professional. Therapists can offer you more in-depth practical tools. This blog post is not a one-size-fits-all solution and trusting God may not be the solution you feel you need.

I am pray this post added a little more hope into your life. I am praying for you, my sibling in Christ. May you see the favor of the Lord already upon your life.

With peace,

Veronica Speaks