As I am writing today, all across the United States of America, we are experiencing a new wave of hope as more than 50% of our adult population has now been vaccinated with one of the current Covid-19 vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson and Johnson/Janssen. As a result, restrictions on spectators for sports and other large events are being eased. Restaurant indoor dining is being increased. Schools formerly educating with only virtual online classes or a hybrid mix of in-person and virtual instruction are physically reopening full-time to all who want to return. Many people whose jobs evaporated during the pandemic are going back to work. And numerous delighted individuals are planning to get together with family and friends in a close environment for the first time since March of 2020.

We all have been impacted by our global pandemic. Many have suffered depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Those of lower economic status and little or no family assistance were hit the hardest. How were they going to feed their family or pay their rent? Even many in the so-called “middle class” were shocked when their world was turned upside down as they quickly used up their financial reserves. They found themselves waiting in line to get food dispensed by charitable organizations. And they spent countless hours online attempting to apply for state unemployment benefits or federal assistance.

My desire for you is that you are personally experiencing this new wave of hope. Of course, some personal losses are greater than others. If your loss has been the demise of your business, you are left wondering if you have the stamina and the wherewithal to start all over. And if your loss has been the tragic snatching away by death of a loved family member or dear friend, you can’t replace that person. That loss is irretrievable.

What is not irretrievable is the hope which you can regain. Hope is what allows us to put one foot in front of the other when we get out of bed in the morning. My mother once told me that she greeted the morning by saying, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Her quote is based on the Bible verse found in Psalm 118:24. How wonderful if we each could feel that way—every morning is God’s gift of a new day with new opportunities.

If you were one seriously affected, perhaps you were told that there was light at the end of the tunnel. You were just somehow supposed to persevere until you reached that light. So, if the light for the U.S.A. that you were promised is here, how come you don’t feel any better?

There are steps which you can take to rekindle your hope.

First, if your broken spirit will allow, assess your situation and find the determination to overcome your obstacles.

In your determination adopt this mantra:

I can do it!

Je peux le faire!

Puedo hacerlo!

Ich kann es tun!

Second, reach out to the persons or institutions who/which can help you start in a new direction. Don’t assume others will reach out to you. They may. But if they haven’t, take the initiative.

Third, get rid of elements or people in your life which pull you down, and instead surround yourself with positive influences and positive people. There is an old saying, “Garbage in; garbage out.” Quite simply that means if you allow your body, mind, and spirit to be filled with toxic ingredients, you will not only destroy yourself, but you will also become an active volcano spewing forth destruction to others.  

The hope which you were promised is here! Grasp it! Enjoy it and bathe yourself in its luminescence and warmth.   

An Essay on Regaining Hope
Connie Carlisle Polley, 2021
ConnieCarlislePolley.com
NonnyDay.com