Welcome back to another session of the Navigate Programme blog series! Let’s reflect on our recent journey: we’ve taken steps to prepare ourselves for the future and have uncovered tools to navigate life’s challenges. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter as we set our sights on imagining the future, adjusting our beliefs, and rewriting our stories. In our previous session, we looked at the importance of reflecting together. This content was first written as sessions that were intended to be done in groups within organisations, charities and churches. You can read more about the history and beginnings of Navigate here. Each session is written to equip individuals and groups to navigate life’s complex journey. This blog series is our way of giving you a taster of this content and an insight into what Navigate is all about. If you think Navigate might be useful in your context, do let us know.
Signpost 9: Tomorrow Doesn’t Have to Be the Same as Today
At every turn, our journey is guided by signposts, and today’s truth shines brightly: “Tomorrow Doesn’t Have to Be the Same as Today.” With this signpost in our hearts, let’s kick off this session with a question that invites us to connect and share: Have you experienced a time when you were truly excited about something? What was it?
As we delve into the heart of today’s lesson, envision the transformation that hope can bring to our journey. Think of the word “hope.” What comes to mind? Hope is like a beacon of anticipation and trust in what lies ahead. It’s a force that shapes our desires and propels us toward a positive future. We hope for sunny weather, victories for our favourite teams, or even the fulfilment of our dreams.
Hope shapes how we approach situations. When we’re hopeful, we’re more enthusiastic and positive. Conversely, feeling hopeless can be a result of perceiving situations as impossible or fearing disappointment. Sometimes, hope is a deliberate choice we make, like putting on a jacket. We choose to wear hope to shift our perspective and transform our outlook. Hope allows us to say, “Tomorrow doesn’t have to be the same as today.” When we “put on” hope, we raise our expectations and anticipate better outcomes. This anticipation leads to thankfulness for what we have and what’s to come. Thankfulness, in turn, helps us recognize the good things around us, making it easier to put on hope again. It’s a cycle that brings us closer to positivity and transformation.
Conversely, disappointment can lead to bitterness, fueling more disappointment. However, we have a choice at each moment. We can break the cycle of disappointment and bitterness and choose to put on hope. Consider this: Are there areas in your life where you can choose hope over disappointment? What cycles do you find yourself in? Let’s pause and reflect on your relationship with hope and thankfulness. How easy is it for you to be hopeful and thankful? Take a moment to jot down your thoughts and reflections.
You might find it helpful to explore these questions:
- Do you find it easy to choose hope?
- Can you identify moments when thankfulness has transformed your perspective?
- Are there practices that help you maintain a hopeful and thankful mindset?
Let’s extend our reflections into action. Find a stone a stone and write something you’re thankful for. Keep it in your pocket for the next week as a tangible reminder of gratitude and hope.
Before we conclude this session, consider what resonates with you most from today’s lesson. What will you carry forward as we continue our journey of transformation? As we depart, let your heart be open to hope, and your thoughts be infused with gratitude. Our journey is a testament to the power of transformation, and every step we take shapes the beautiful path ahead. In the next session we’ll look at how new habits can shape our way forward. Stay tuned!
