''Hope" is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I've heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of Me.
Ways to Build Hope
Jevne, R. (1991). It all begins with hope: Patients, caregivers
& the bereaved speak out. San Diego, CA: LuraMedia.
Communicate Care - to yourself and others
Tell and hear the story - helps us find meaning
Make something happen - we can have influence, however small
Share hope stories - talking about hope brings about hope
Practice hope rituals - like putting a positive note on the fridge
Find hope images - from movies, music, photos
Look for hope models - admired people. We need heroes
Build hope bridges - use strengths/wisdom from past to bridge future goals
Create hope symbols - anything
that points beyond itself (like unopened flower)
Possible Questions to Make Hope Explicit
What is it that gives you internal support?
What
are your sources of hope?
What do you hold onto in difficult times?
What keeps you going?
What is the smallest change that could increase
your hope?
What fragrance (colour, sound, song) reminds you of hope?