Consistent with Snyder’s hope theory and high hope individuals, Christy began to generate new pathways of thinking about how the cancer was going to affect her life. She motivated herself by increasing her knowledge about cancer, instilling hopeful thoughts, taking the right supplements, and employing spiritual practices. She learned to accept the realistic fact that she would probably have multiple re-occurrences. She learned that if she attended her three-month checkups without fail, this would lessen the chances of the cancer spreading into her body cavity and the cancer would be treatable. She developed a hopeful attitude, and a positive way of coping with the disease.
This doesn’t mean she does not experience feelings of disappointment when she hears discouraging news that the cancer has returned. Instead, Christy can intentionally move back into her positive thought process by educating herself, serving others, reaching out to her support system, and ingesting foods that are known to fight cancer cells. She has learned that living her life with purpose is paramount. She is grateful for her life and appreciates everyday miracles. Learning to live in the present moment and living a life with meaning helps one better cope and instills high hope for anyone living with a devastating chronic disease.
The Psychology of Hope
Now let us look at how hope affects our psychology. It starts as a shift in our thinking—a shift that recognizes possibility, and slowly begins to illuminate a pathway from the seemingly impossible to possible. Although it initially starts as a mindset, that mindset creates a psychological change. That change, in turn, slowly begins to create new neural pathways in our brains. Thoughts and feelings of hope involve restructuring our beliefs and expectations. One very effective way to achieve this is by using visualizations and meditation. In doing these types of exercises, we can guide our minds through a journey of intentional stillness, positive thoughts and mindfulness that benefits our psychological well-being and impacts our physical self.
