Hope is one of the most powerful emotions we possess. It is the belief that no matter where we are now, tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities. Finding hope in our darkest moments is like opening the blinds just enough to let a trickle of sunlight filter through and illuminate the corners of our soul.
It’s one reason we are so drawn to hero stories, because at their essence they are stories of hope. No matter the odds our heroes don’t give up, instead they hold tight to hope. One of my more unusual heroes in the realm of hope is Marlin the clown fish, who sets out on a journey to rescue his son Nemo after he is captured in the barrier reef. Finding Nemo is the ultimate story of finding hope in the most unusual places, with the most unusual allies!
How many times have we found hope in the most unlikely places, forged connections with people we may never have come into contact with were it for not for us being in that moment at that time? Life has a funny way of knowing us better than we know ourselves, of deciding that we need might need a Dory or a Crush to show up and challenge our assumptions about friendship, connection, support and hope.
You see, hope and connection go hand in hand. Our heroes’ sense of hope becomes emboldened when they inspire or are inspired by others. Hope is most powerful when it brings people together to face the darkness and find the light.
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things and no good thing ever dies.
I can go from fish to felons and still find hope, and heroes!
Andy Dufresne’s continued hope despite the darkness consuming him at Shawshank Penitentiary inspired his unlikely friendship with Red. He unearthed the hope Red had locked away many years before. Never has there been a better story of the way hope can be lost and found, endure and inspire.
Not all heroes wear capes, and some of our favorite heroes are flawed. But what they all have in common, is a belief that no matter where we find ourselves in life, holding onto hope is an unspoken commitment to take action in order to edge closer to the light. One small step at a time. And whether we realize it in the moment, each step we take emboldens others. Our journeys are never really traveled alone, because they have the power to become someone else's inspiration.
Finding hope in unlikely heroes, who inspire others in unlikely places is the beauty of hope itself. It is enduring, it is everywhere, it is inspiring, it cannot be extinguished, and it lives inside you.
Hope is the human matchstick that can strike a flame and bring light to any moment of darkness. Hold onto yours, because it makes you a hero.
Maria Laquerre is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who specializes in addressing trauma with clients of all ages. Maria has practiced therapy in New Mexico since her return in 2008. Maria's current passion is supporting therapists in doing their best clinical work, which she pursues through offering supervision, consultation and trainings. Maria enjoys spending time with her family, watching Star Wars and Marvel movies, discussing the psychology of pop culture and loves a good book!