How to find hope
when the world feels like it's going to hell in a handcart. Friday I'm In Love - Issue 16
What a week. Again. Some psychologists believe humans can experience as many as 34,000 emotions. No wonder we’re exhausted.
It’s a work in progress but (after a few years of juggling a laptop from the kitchen table to wherever I can find a space), I’ll soon have a room of my own to work and write in. The view is a reminder to keep looking for the light.
1. The evolution of emotions is thought to be a survival mechanism. When we’re able to tune in to these biological indicators (not always as easy as it sounds), we gain vital information. The challenge is identifying them, sitting with them when necessary, then letting them move through us, without getting stuck for too long in one. If life were a video game, then this is final boss battle stuff.
Research shows that engaging in the arts brings a myriad of health and wellbeing benefits, including increased self-efficacy and coping, while enhancing emotional regulation.
“When the arts become a regular practice – the way you might improve nutrition, increase exercise and prioritize sleep – you unleash an innate tool that helps you navigate the peaks and valleys of your inner life,” Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross write in Your Brain On Art. “And the best news is that you don’t have to be great or even good at making art to experience the benefits.”
A reminder to keep writing, painting, playing, making, doodling, reflecting and trying new things. Especially when it feels like we’re living out the plot of a dystopian novel.
2. The power of hope. Last year I was interviewed by health psychologist and Stanford University lecturer, Kelly McGonigal, who is currently writing a book on hope.
During the conversation we shared our thoughts on the momentum that this emotion can bring, especially during dark times. Kelly was particularly interested in the work I was doing during lockdown, when life as we knew it had come to a stop and folks were finding creative ways to support their communities.
Kelly has written previously (in The Joy Of Movement) about research linking physical activity to hope. In this 60 second podcast excerpt she describes the way movement can give us a powerful boost, via what scientists are calling “hope molecules”.
“When you contract your muscles in any type of movement, they are secreting chemicals into your bloodstream that are really good for every system of your body. I mean, they're great for your heart health and your immune function and some of them can kill cancer cells – you know, all the stuff we know exercise is good for.
“So you go for a walk, or run, or you lift weights and your muscles contract and they secrete these proteins into your bloodstream. And in your brain, they can act as an antidepressant. They can make your brain more resilient to stress, they increase motivation, they help you learn from experience.
“When I go for a walk or I exercise, I will literally say to myself, you are giving yourself an intravenous dose of hope. I think this is how we should frame movement – that it's something you can choose to do to really powerfully influence your mental health.”
A good reason to stick on those 90s bangers and have a Friday night kitchen disco.
3. Small pleasures. Last time I wrote about little things that bring disproportionate joy. I loved the examples you shared…
“Small pleasures at the moment are watching the trees wave from my window, the return of Mini-Egg season, and thick buds that whisper spring.”
“My new mustard yellow bedsheets that are crisp and fresh.”
“The first blooms of my Leatherwood shrubs make my heart sing as they are harbingers of spring.”
Keep them coming in the comments. 2025 needs more joy (kindness, love, empathy, compassion…) to fuel the necessary change.
The last novel I read - Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. This retelling of Greek mythology’s infamous Medusa story is as compelling as it is thought-provoking. Natalie Haynes brings humour, empathy and a classicist’s insight to a tale of vengeance and, surprisingly, love.
What I’ve been binge-reading this week - Finlay Donovan Rolls The Dice by Elle Cosimano. Romance mystery is my guilty pleasure and this series is bringing all the joy. From salty wingwoman Vero to madcap casino scenes, I can feel the dopamine incoming as I turn the pages.
On my want to watch list - Oscar-nominated documentary, Porcelain War.
“Amidst the chaos and destruction of the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, three artists defiantly find inspiration and beauty as they defend their culture and their country.”
What’s bringing hope to your week?
Sending us into the weekend is British alt rock band Placebo with 1997 hit Nancy Boy. The band – who are credited with helping bring queerness to the mainstream – was criticised by the media for flouting the boundaries of gender and sexuality at the time.
Speaking to The Guardian 24 years on, in 2021, lead singer Brian Molko said:
“We did what we could within the framework that existed. And we rebelled against the framework that existed. It’s much, much more complex now. But if just by being ourselves in the 90s, we made people feel less alone – if we managed to, in any way whatsoever, increase the potential and capacity for freedom just by 1% – then we’ve achieved something.”
Oh I really love this one. Movement joy and Placebo two of my favourite things. Off to go seek out some joy 🥰
Movement and moments of awe are Everything! This way to live underpins all I write about. My last two posts have specifically talked about my running as a way to move through any crap that's going on and to find that spark of hope. Thanks Christina for a good read. ❤️