Hope

(picture was taken from the internet)

Hope is an optimistic attitude of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large. (Source: Wikipedia)

Hope:

1. To cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true

2. Trust

3. To desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment

4. To expect with confidence

(Source: Merriam-Webster dictionary)

Few years ago I volunteered in an organisation that worked with street children and people who lived in slum areas in Jakarta. I still remember that one night, we were distributing papers and colouring pencils to the children so they could draw anything they want, as all children do, they were so excited, each picking their own paper and chose the colours they want, sit down and drew. 

I was sitting with a boy on the side of the street as he was drawing. Curiously asked him, “What is your dream? What do you want to be when you grow up?” – There was a pause for a moment before he answered, “I don’t have a dream. I don’t think it is possible for me to have a dream.” and he continued to draw. His answer left me speechless. He was around 7 or 8 years old. Living in the street with no parents. He didn’t even know when his birthday was, his parents left him alone in Jakarta until someone took him in and worked him as street musician, begging for money from people. 

I still could not forget the look in his eyes when he said those words, there was no hope in it. I guess, maybe even no one ever asked him such question. It must be very sad to have lived without a dream that makes you hope will come true, especially for children. 

What would life feel like if you have no idea what to hope for? 

Hope is something that moves us from within, a confident believe that what we wish for or dream for will come true. Hope is the strength that will help us to endure and even overcome hardships in life. Hope is the spark in the eyes driven by passion. It's the reason that we live life. To lose hope I think would be like losing life itself. 

Hope is very close with expectations and as we all know, expectations are frail things. Expectations are easy to break if we are not careful. Thus, it is very important to put our hope in the right place so we can manage our expectations in the right way.

So, if I may ask you today, where do you put your hope? do you still have it? or have you lost it?