Determination and stubbornness. I function daily because of these two traits. Generally speaking, everyone who knows me calls me stubborn but those that truly see me recognize that I am built of determination. These traits fit with the resilience we discussed for Recovery Month and are the foundation of maintaining hope despite dark circumstances. I know this is a frequently used example, but the pandemic was a true test of our hope-holding skills. Overnight, we went from happy oblivion to being locked in our home for safety. The world we once knew will never be again and we have had to pullout our microscope day after day to find the hope needed to push forward. Some have turned their microscope into a daily tool, one just attached as part of their body… another arm if you will. Makes me think of the cartoon Inspector Gadget. No matter the situation he faced, he had the right tool to solve the problem. Or maybe like the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts: “Always Prepared.” Hoffman has it right; even in a pile of turds we can find the hope if we look close enough.

Determination and Stubbornness! No hope will go unseen!

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.