Letter 41
Hope is a verb
Dear Reader,
The theme for this newsletter started a few weeks ago and since then I see it everywhere - the cover of my new book from Jane Goodall, in an article in the New York Times was asking readers to explain what gives them hope. I am waiting for a flurry of year-end lists and roundups of wishes for the future.
To the question, “what is hope,” Goodall explains, “Hope is what enables us to keep going in the face of adversity. It is what we desire to happen, but we must be prepared to work hard to make it so.”
Even though I no longer work as a journalist, current events and news articles are still much a part of my daily reading. I have to budget for independent news source donations and subscriptions, and some days amid the depressing just-straight-facts summaries of how humanity is going within the United States, I have to wonder “why am I even reading this?” And I realize I am not searching for disaster. I am searching for hope, for a better world, for good news.
So instead of thinking of the world as it is today. I want to offer some headlines of how I wish the world to be. Maybe it’s a Christmas wish that all is not lost. I can always hope.
“Scientists learned how to extract greenhouse gases from the atmosphere offering a future of de-escalating climate change.”
“Doctors find a way to treat cancer that eliminates chemotherapy and offers more accessible cell therapy.”
“Leaders of Missouri come together to ease the burden of working families to help subsidize childcare.”
“Congress puts education first on the agenda and offers free college to those who qualify.”
“Convicted people, regardless of any status, must serve their sentences and the public will stop hearing about them.”
“A ‘New Deal” revamps American infrastructure, putting people to work and upgrading deteriorating roads and bridges in a timely manner. The emphasis is on reuse and recyclable materials to ease the environmental impact.”
“Artists have access to federal grants because the majority of people believe creativity fuels progress.”
“Congress and all state legislatures pass declarations that racism is wrong, always has been wrong, and vow to renew all efforts to ensure equality and equity.”
“Reading books hits a resurgence and communities can’t keep up with the demand to build libraries, book stores, and community gathering spots where books are read and discussed.”
One of the best movies (which started as a Stephen King short story) is Shawshank Redemption, an ultimate narrative about injustice and the dichotomy of accepting one’s reality and fate vs. daring to dream.
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies,” Andy writes to Red in the movie.
Good things, love and hope to you,
Traci
Great thoughts. It brings to mind that Fred Rogers once taught us, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To help with the chaos, also seek the stories of the good in the world with people helping each other. Strive to see them even in imperfect moments, and know that each act of good matters.