Hope Shared is Hope Multiplied
Prevent Child Abuse Arizona Executive Director Claire Louge recently shared this article highlighting her take on what we can all do in uncertain times
When I sit down to write this note, I use it as an opportunity to reflect on the themes that have emerged in my last month’s conversations. In the recent ups and downs, the theme that visited again and again was the undeniable necessity of hope.
I’ve written on hope before, but I think such a concept deserves many sequels. Hope is the electricity that powers effectiveness in our roles raising our children and families. Hope is knowing we can make things better. Hope is why and how we do what we do.
But we don’t always feel hope.
In those moments where I sink into cynicism or despondency, it may feel good to wax on about the depth and breadth of the problems, and name every single entity at blame, and feel perfectly surrendered to the swamp of knowing nothing I alone can do will ever be enough.
And then someone shares their hope with me, and everything changes, like lighting a match in a pitch-dark room. And then I’m motivated to play the part I can to create the world I want to live in.
Recently, many things ignited my hope:
- A dear friend reminding me that humans have been through hard things, and the way we get through is together.
- The joy of being together with a group of passionate, smart, motivated people from all over the country.
- Being surrounded by and connected to so many people who care deeply about people.
- Witnessing and being part of conversations in which conflicts arose, people listened, people took accountability, and people expressed gratitude for one another.
- The mind-blowing competence of my daughter’s childcare provider.
What brings you hope right now?
If you’re having a tough time answering that, I see you. If you’re up for it, ask someone to share their hope with you.
If you’re feeling hope, share it. Especially when everything is feeling hard for you or those around you. Hope shared is hope multiplied.
Prevent Child Abuse America has a North Star that guides us: All children and families are living a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future. We aren’t just about avoiding bad things. We’re about propelling good things for kids and families, and the key to that is instilling a sense in them that things are going to be okay, and that they have what it takes to surmount their challenges, and that things might even turn out great.
To instill hope in those around you, you need to have hope. Cultivate it. Share it. Hope shared is hope multiplied.
Editor’s Note: look for the Strong Families, Happy Kids column in every issue of Prescott Woman Magazine. It’s designed to support parents with actionable tips and strategies they can use to create optimal environments for their children to thrive. To learn more about Prevent Child Abuse Arizona’s mission and resources visit www.pcaaz.org