The Power of Hope Realized: Rebuild Your Life from the Precipice to the Mountain With Special Guest, Jennifer Dickenson — the “Healing Advocate”

What do you do when you’re faced with an insurmountable obstacle? Answer: You act with realistic hope. This week at Love University, we had an inspiring time with Jennifer Dickenson—cancer survivor, wellness advocate, and author of A Case for Hope (https://tinyurl.com/4j2jukn8). In 2011, she was a busy, stressed-out lawyer who was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer and told she only had twelve months to live. She recovered and now teaches others how to harness their mind, body, and spirit to create durable well-being. Here are some important things to keep in mind when you’re stuck in an unwinnable place:

Hope Is a Daily Verb

One way to define hope is “focusing on the positive while taking realistic steps toward joy and meaning.” Genuine hope begins with practical optimism. You expect the best while also planning for contingencies and unexpected occurrences. In this way, you’re prepared but positive; realistic yet optimistic.

Train Your Attention on Small but Steady Goals

Big numbers—diagnoses, timelines, statistics—can paralyze you. The antidote is to work on the small numbers you can control. Begin with the smallest winnable action: a five-minute walk when your energy is low; talking to a friend for a short while when you’re lonely; reading a few pages of a spiritual book when you need inspiration.  Remember: Your attention is your remedy. Focus on the things that empower and heal you: meditating, praying, exercising, listening to music, spending quality time with loved ones, or practicing a relaxing bedtime ritual (turn off devices 30 minutes before sleep). When you do these things, you will be refreshed and energized, ready to look forward to tomorrow with renewed hope and enthusiasm.   

Laughter Is a Great Medicine

Laugher can save your life.  Norman Cousins, the renowned journalist and author, combined humor films with medical care during a serious inflammatory illness. He recovered and wrote a classic book: Anatomy of an Illness. It’s true: Humor can lighten your life and help you gain perspective. Start this week: watch funny shows, go to a comedy show, or play improv games with your friends—the laughter that ensues will enlighten your mind and lift your spirits.

In the end, rebuilding your life is about practical, optimistic, and repeatable steps. Choose one healthy thing you can do today—do it before noon, and let tomorrow build on it. Your life will grow with hope and happiness.