Hope is an optimistic attitude of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large - wikipedia

WHAT??  Hope is a positive spin used when working toward a goal.  

It is first necessary to have a goal.  Most would identify this common goal - to be HAPPY!  How many of you have defined happiness and identified the specific components?   You can't get there without a map.  Identify what you would make you happy and then identify a plan to get you there.  This is different for everyone becasue we are all unique.  

Positive spin?  How do you do this?  Everyone has unfortunate events happen in their life.  All of us have those things that get in our way of meeting our goals.  Those who are able to keep their eyes on their goal and not get distracted by the unfortunate events are the ones who get there.   When you get distracted by the unfortunate event - you must spin it.  

Recognizing that you are focusing on the negative is the first step to making this amazing change.  Awareness is key!!  So, how?  When something negative happens, we all get a feeling in our body (tension, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, etc.) and now we have to pay attention to it.  

Next, tap into what you are thinking and spin it.  If it is creating a negative emotional and behavioral response - it is a negative thought.  FInd the negative word in your thought and change it to positive.  Now, repeat it over and over.  

The opportuinity here is...to challenge yourself to change atleast one negative thought per day and before long, you will have the hope you needed.  

Most people will resist this because they think, "that is silly" or "there is NO WAY that one thought creates all of that."  Well, I have been a therapist for 20 years and I promise you that if you have one thought that is negative - you have hundreds that are stealing your joy.  Try it - you have nothing to lose.