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content/articles/2023-10-30-hope.md

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+---
+tags: general
+---
+
+# Hope
+
+This is a piggy-back article off of
+[The Struggle](https://mhoush.com/posts/20231018224631-the-struggle/) article that I had recently.
+
+I was a bit of a "Debbie Downer" in that article, which is okay, I get that way sometimes. In this
+article I'd like to take a minute to layout some of the things that give me hope, things that I
+focus on to try and kick myself out of the rut I can get into sometimes.
+
+I believe it's important to have **hope**, to realize that feeling down is normal / part of being
+human. It's just as important to have hope. For some it is a harder thing to focus on, it may be
+easy for us to try and dwell in negative feelings, to some that may feel more comfortable. When
+we're feeling cynical, it's easy to feed the negativity, although it's rarely helpful.
+
+## Hope
+
+One of the things that I try to focus on is that I'm human, it brings me hope to realize that I'm
+not the only one who feels the way that I do. This was evident by the feedback on my previous
+article.
+
+> My problems are very much "first world problems".
+
+Make no mistake, I'm selfish, but it's the selfishness that makes me feel distant or disconnected.
+The times that I feel connected are without a doubt the times that I let go of my ego and focus on
+things outside of myself.
+
+It's the feeling I get from going to customers home and feeling truly appreciated. There's no push
+back on price, no one telling me how I should run my business, no "the part only costs $x on
+amazon", etc.
+
+The feeling of seeing your child smile. The safety you feel when getting a hug from your mother or
+father. When you're looking up at the stars and realize how small you actually are.
+
+When you're out with friends and trick the DJ into playing a Mr. Bungle song and no one else
+appreciates it, but you. The times when your guard is completely down and you laugh with abandon.
+
+The smell of your lover's hair when you're holding them close. The joy you receive from sitting with
+your pets. The songs of nature, insects, birds, etc. The sounds of waves / water in the distance.
+
+The feeling when you've helped someone learn a new skill, when something finally clicks and makes
+sense. When a complex topic is understood at a fundamental level. The breakthrough of a problem
+you've pondered for days / months / years.
+
+## Conclusion
+
+There are so many things to be grateful for. This does not mean that there will not be hard times,
+there surely will be. This does not mean that you are wrong for having negative feelings, for
+feeling depressed or anxious. There are many around you that likely feel similar (they may just not
+be able to express it in the same way). You never truly know what the person next to you is dealing
+with. Be compassionate (including showing yourself compassion).
+
+When you are feeling down, try to do something for someone else. Make your own list of things to be
+thankful for. Maybe my non-exhaustive list above will give you some ideas. Write those items down
+regularly so that you can look back on them when you feel out of balance.
+
+There is plenty of negative energy in this world, be true and genuine and you will receive rewards.
+When you focus on blessings then the negativity will fade.
+
+What impact are you going to leave with what little time we have?
+
+I hope that you enjoyed this short article. Know that you are _NOT_ alone, you are important, and
+that I appreciate _you!_