Choose HOPE

South African archbishop, theologian and Nobel Peace Prize-winner, Desmond Tutu once wrote, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” I believe hope is something that we can’t see or feel, yet, still choose to believe it will result in a better future outcome. The pandemic has created overwhelming loss, fear, heartbreaking isolation, and division, while also exposing many people’s true colours amidst crisis. I have seen, heard, and witnessed how cruel and destructive people can be with their words, both personally and on social media, letting their emotions overrun their opinions (and sometimes rational thought). The problems and emotions of society seem to be amplified by the constant negative news and individuals who provide their ‘two cents’ on a matter, which I believe only creates more angst and dissension among people. On the contrary; amongst the sour, I have met some of the most genuine, selfless people in the past year (and in the context of Covid), who have reached out, encouraged, and provided hope to individuals when they saw there was a need. I feel, in light of the last two years, what the world truly needs more than anything looking into 2023, is HOPE.

Often when I encounter people going through hard times, (particularly patients from all walks of life, coming through the hospital), going through a certain trial in their life, they feel as though they are completely alone. When we feel we are on a lonely road that no one else has ever been down, that can only result in what must feel like a cold, hopeless, worlds apart isolation. But that is not the truth. Assuredly, as humans, we are not alone in our feelings and experiences; and every person will walk through a trial in there life, whether it be: women who have suffered from miscarriage; people who have lost their livelihood; the proportion of society that has experienced homelessness, drug abuse, physical abuse, family dysfunction, and/or addiction. While rare, it is not impossible, that a single person may have experienced all of these traumatic events in a single lifetime. Unquestionably, however, every single person on this planet has or will experience a life-altering, heart-breaking, and likely traumatic event, during their lifetime. Which means we are not alone. So what sets people apart following a traumatic event like a pandemic? I believe the answer lies in one’s desire and decision to have HOPE and move forward with their life. When you actively choose HOPE, you are willing to believe and pursue change ..and a better future outcome. And if you are pursuing something, you are changing direction, whether you like it or not - which can only leave you in a different place than where you started.

We have all experienced some form of hardship over the last two years that has (presumably) changed our view of the world and people, and possibly left us feeling depleted, alone, without direction …and hopeless. But we are not alone. This year, I encourage each reader to choose hope and pursue change in your life relentlessly. Don’t look back, look forward. Know that you are not alone, and with hope, step into the new year expecting new opportunities and great changes ahead.

In hope and health, I wish you the best in 2023!

Dr. Bell

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.