Finding Hope in Tumultuous Times

🪄 Finding Hope in Tumultuous Times

Many people are experiencing some loss of hope in these difficult times. A lot of us are feeling isolated from others, and a sense of disconnection from what matters to us.
And the hits keep coming.

In 2023, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., sounded alarm bells warning us about an escalating epidemic of loneliness and isolation affecting millions of Americans (Murthy, 2023). In his public health advisory, Murthy shared that high levels of isolation can have negative effects on our physical health, mental health, well-being, and public health in general.

According to hope researcher Diane Dreher, Ph.D., “we must connect.” Her research indicates that choosing hope is a key strategy to push back on the tensions, disconnections, and chaos in today’s world (Dreher, Personal Communication, 2025). With so many of us struggling to find hope, Dreher’s new book, Pathways to Inner Peace (2025), outlines nine pathways to greater peace, connection, and hope. The nine pathways are:

• Mindful presence – Bringing your attention to the present moment.
• Nature – Renewing your connection with nature.
• Community – Cultivating community and belonging.
• Meditation – Finding a source of peace within.
• Kindness – Practicing compassion for yourself and others.
• Purpose – Discovering a greater source of meaning.
• Intuition – Connecting with inspiration and inner guidance.
• The Arts – Opening your heart to the arts.
• Joy – Discovering how joy can light up your life.

Hope is a valuable strength throughout life and can be especially important during difficult times. According to hope expert, C.R. Snyder, Ph.D., hope involves three steps: goals, pathways, and agency (Snyder, Rand & Sigmon, 2002; Snyder, 1994). First, we choose a goal we can believe in, then steps to the goal and alternatives if a pathway is blocked (Feldman & Dreher, 2011). And lastly, we develop agency, the motivation and belief that we can reach our goals.

During life’s tumult, difficulties, and injustices, actionable hope can help us cultivate a path toward goals, strategies, and mindsets to persevere or overcome. Dreher cites the inspirational teachings of Viktor Frankl, M.D. (1985) who was able to generate hope amidst the terrors and horrific confinement of Nazi concentration camps, where he was held captive. “[If] he could find hope by choosing something beyond what he was currently experiencing in a Nazi concentration camp, I feel like we can choose hope by visualizing something beyond what we’re currently experiencing now” (Dreher, Personal Communication, 2025).

In an example of how we can develop greater hope, Feldman and Dreher (2011) conducted research at Santa Clara University asking students to complete a hope scale developed by C.R. Snyder. After leading them through an exercise where they were asked to choose a goal they wanted to achieve, write three steps they could take to reach it and alternatives for potential roadblocks, Feldman and Dreher led the students through a visualization of themselves reaching their goal. After the intervention, participants showed significant increases in measures of hope and significant goal progress at one month follow up. According to Dreher, this study indicates that when we choose to set goals for ourselves, and begin moving toward them, these actions can carry us forward “in an amazing way.”

Dreher emphasizes that hope is a choice. Each of us has choices about how we respond to the challenges in our lives.

How can you generate greater hope and awaken renewal in your life?

Consider these steps to create hope that is actionable (Adapted from Feldman & Dreher, 2011; Snyder, 1994):

1. Goal: What is your objective? Name it and state a clear, realistic, measurable goal with a time frame by which you hope to complete it.
2. Pathways: Write three or more steps you plan to take to achieve your goal. Also write down alternatives or contingencies if the steps you try aren’t working.
3. Agency: Visualize yourself working toward the goal and reaching it.

One way to do a visualization is to get comfortable in a quiet, safe space. Close your eyes or rest them comfortably. In your mind’s eye visualize yourself taking the action needed to accomplish your goal and then achieving it. Invite yourself to remain present with that visual for a moment.

4. Get started: Proceed toward achieving your goal.

If you like to read more, you can find Diane Dreher’s book, Pathways to Inner Peace here.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. No content is a substitute for consulting with a qualified mental health or healthcare professional.

© 2025 Ilene Berns-Zare, LLC, All Rights Reserved

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References:

• Berns-Zare, I. (2024). Why is gratitude so good for you: 5 steps to infuse your life with more gratitude and action.
• Berns-Zare, I. (2020). 5 steps for greater perspective and a positive shift: This 5-step awakening process may help you re=energize, reduce negativity and gain greater clarity. 
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York, NY: Random house.
• Glück, J., Bluck, S., & Weststrate, N. M. (2019).   More on the MORE life experience model: What we have learned (so far). The Journal of Value Inquiry, 53, 349-370.
• Stanford University. (2024)  Growth mindset and enhanced learning.

Ilene is a Featured Author on PsychologyToday!
Read her blog series Flourish and Thrive: Navigating transitions with mindfulness and resilience.

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