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Four months gone, just eight months left in the year. It is almost the end of the first third of the year 2024. Have you given up on this year yet? I know that it has not been easy actually. Those plans and goals you had sought to achieve are nowhere near implementation yet. The inflation rate made getting what you have been saving up for impossible. This year has been a roller coaster, yes, I know.
Life is dynamic because of its unpredictability. It is a sloppy hill that can sprout you up one minute and bring you down the next minute. But what is that feeling that gives you a glimpse of bitterness even when it does not make sense? Hope, that is the feeling.
History of the Month of Hope
‘National Month of Hope has a history that can be traced back to 2016 when it was established by a non-profit organization called Mothers in Crisis in Tallahassee, Florida. The idea behind the day was simply to counteract the difficulties that life brings by dedicating this month and encouraging people to spread hope around their neighborhoods, communities, and all around the world.‘- Days of the Year blog.
It was formerly regarded as ‘Hope Universe Day’. In 2018, the celebration was renamed to ‘National Month of Hope’ and the celebration has retained that name to this day.
Hope our lens for a better future
April means ‘to open’. We have hope that this month has opened the doors of betterment and breakthrough for the rest of the year. Flowers and trees blossom around April, just like they do, we are expected to blossom all around with hope regardless of what we have in our pockets or bank accounts.
The word ‘hope’ is derived from the Latin word, ‘cupio’ meaning, ‘to desire’ or to ‘wish well’. We are expected to project this feeling in viewing what the future looks like. The present makes the future look so gloomy. Hope is the one sparkle that gives us reasons to live and push forward.
Nigerians would agree that this year has been an unstable cycle in the economic sector. The exchange rate skyrocketed like a rocket going into space. The cost of living got higher. People drifted into survival mode with weird food combinations as food items got more expensive. In spite of all, we are here, breathing. The cost of living did not kill the living.
Despite the hard turn of events in the past months, April marked the beginning of some economic progress in the Nigerian economic sector. Some people made some risky financial decisions, some of which faltered, others paid off. Whatever the consequence of your decision, do not let it weigh you down. The future being bright is not a cliche. It is a possibility and your possibility.
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How can we spread hope?
Bad energy stay far away! Spread positive vibes. Sprinkle joy all around. We know the country is hard but you are not a newscaster to keep bringing those news to people’s table. If possible, stay away from listening to bad news updates. Start your day by consuming content of positivity and hope and not that of pessimism. It is all going to get better!
Keep an appreciation jotter or diary to record those big to little achievements you have got. Your appreciation diary will serve as a renewal of hope when it feels like all is not going well. Reminiscence on your little well, your past miracles, and the progress you have made with God’s supernatural backing.
Listen to sermons, podcasts, and songs that lift your spirit. In renewing your hope, feeding your mind with the right content is key to being hopeful. It is not time to listen to the kinds of stuff that remind you of your condition or worsen your mood. Listen to sermons and songs that preach hope according to your beliefs.
Preach resilience and inculcate positive mindsets. We are not a conqueror if we give up halfway. The story is only sweet if we win. If you feel like your mental energy is low, seek the company of people who will refuel your juice. It is not time to seclude yourself from others, it is time to keep the right company. We are in this together.
Seek comfort in nature and appreciate the works of nature around you. Do you know that the trees also go through trying times too? Sometimes the weather is not palatable yet they survive to bloom in the spring season. Look at how ants pick up again after their trail has been scattered. They gather around together to perform their task, probably that breadcrumb you dropped on the floor.
Seek hope from God
For believers, this is a time to be closer to God. Blaming God or renouncing your salvation is not the best way to go about it. Only God can help you through the storm and only Him can give you joy through the rocky path. I do not think one can have peace by renouncing the only one who offers rest to humans. Our rest is in Him.
April is not the only month you should be on the same page with hope. Hope is needed for our survival, otherwise, we will just be beings without purpose or a glimpse of a better future. Spread the light, joy, and hope all around. Keep it in your consciousness to make others happy and do not utter words that plunge them into sadness. Let us keep our heads high, the good of the land awaits us!
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