As a noun, hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. As a verb, it means to want something to happen or be the case.

For a word, it’s a pretty simple definition. As an experience, sometimes hope is hard to find.

As a noun, hope is having an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes, in our own lives and in the world at large.

As a verb, hope is expecting with confidence and cherishing a desire with anticipation.

In these times of pandemic with political and social turmoil, we can almost feel silly in thinking that there is any hope that things will turn around any time soon. “There’s no hope for that,” we might say.

However, for being so simple in its definition, hope is a powerful word. It is having an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes. How powerful is that!

So whether you are naturally hopeful or pessimistic, we hope (there’s that word) that you’ll join in the Monthly Conversation Experiment and consider the prompt “Hopeful for the Holidays.”

Sound difficult? Here’s some additional hints:

You can take this literally and reflect on what you hope for the holidays. What you want to experience? Why?

You might reflect on the difficult year and muse on your hope(s) for the next year.

We invite you to send your writing, (a sentence or two, a paragraph, a poem, a reflection less than 350 words) , photo, or creative artwork to copyeditor@rverreporter.com by December 21. (Entries will be published in the December 31 print edition and online.) 

It is said that we find what we seek. Wouldn’t it be great to find hope? In time for the holidays?

Be a part of the Monthly Conversation Experience #7: “Hope for the Holidays.”