Hope is beautiful, but it's tricky.

When life knocks us down, people insist that we must stay hopeful and look for the silver lining. We also give this advice to people who might feel lost or hopeless. While this advice is helpful, it's not always easy to put it into action.

I consider myself a hopeful person. When things go south, I take it slowly. I don't think everything will work out right away, but I believe that eventually, I will move forward and beyond what's making me feel fearful. However, on some days, I feel like I will never be able to fix my problems. I know that worrying is futile and won't diminish my fears (or problems), but maybe I worry in an attempt to feel better.

For some reason, overthinking the consequences makes me feel in control. It makes me feel that I'm finding my way back home. That I'm finding my way to the past where everything was sure and abiding. And so, Image hopelessness hits me. It reminds me that, at the end of the day, no matter how much positivity and good vibes we emanate, chances are we might always grapple with the fear of uncertainty. The silver lining doesn't show up, and the storm that I'm supposed to "positively" weather continues to rage.

In these moments, when hope seems distant, there's something profoundly comforting about reading quotes from those who have been there, who have felt the weight of hopelessness and yet found a way to keep going. Here are a few quotes that have helped me through my darkest times:

"When you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on." – Franklin D. Roosevelt.

This quote always makes me visualise that moment when I feel I can't hold on anymore. It's a simple reminder that sometimes, the best we can do is hold on tight, even if it's just by a thread.

"The darkest hour has only sixty minutes." – Morris Mandel

This one is a great reminder that no matter how tough things get, it's temporary. The pain, the fear, the uncertainty – it all passes. Just like night turns into day, our darkest moments will eventually give way to light.

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." – Christopher Reeve

Choosing hope is an act of courage. It's deciding to believe in a better future, even when the present feels unbearable. This quote encourages me to make that choice every day, no matter how difficult it seems.

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." – Albert Einstein

This one helps shift my perspective. Instead of seeing my challenges as insurmountable obstacles, I try to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. It's not always easy, but it's a mindset that has helped me find meaning in my struggles.

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all." – Emily Dickinson.

Dickinson's poetic imagery beautifully captures the essence of hope. Hope is something that lives within us, persistent and unyielding, even when we can't articulate it. Just knowing that hope is there, singing its quiet tune, gives me strength.

Of course, these quotes aren't magic spells that instantly make everything better. They don't fix problems or erase pain. But they do offer a flicker of light in the darkness, a reminder that I'm not alone in my struggles and that others have walked this path before me and emerged stronger.

When I feel hopeless, I also remind myself that it's okay to feel this way. It's a part of the human experience. We're all navigating this complex journey called life, and it's natural to stumble and fall. What matters is that we get back up, even if it takes time.

It's also important to reach out for support. Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can make a huge difference. Sometimes, just having someone listen and acknowledge our feelings can lift some of the weight off our shoulders.

In the end, hope isn't about denying our pain or pretending everything is fine. It's about acknowledging our struggles and choosing to believe that we can find a way through them. It's about holding on, even when the rope feels frayed and worn.

So, if you're feeling hopeless, remember these quotes and let them be a source of comfort. Know that it's okay to feel lost and uncertain. And most importantly, keep holding on.