Hope is a word I use often. I started to think about its meaning, since it is such a commonly used word. It is remarkably interesting to me that it has so many meanings and on so many levels. In Oxford Languages, it states that hope as a noun is "a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen". As a verb it states, "want something to happen or be the case". In Wikipedia, its definitions are: "expect with confidence" and "to cherish a desire with anticipation". As defined in www.dictionary.com, hope is "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best." The words: "best", "optimism", "confidence", "want", "expectation", "desire", are often paired with the word hope, in many of these definitions. This made me pause to evaluate my own constant use of it. I certainly do not think I use it in times when I am particularly feeling optimistic or when I feel deserving of an outcome for myself. In fact, I seem to use this word when I feel sadness or despair. Then it dawned on me how powerful the word HOPE really is. It made me realize this word is so special and valuable, and that when I use it, I should mean it with confidence and expectation. This word should pick me up when I have fallen, but it is even more powerful when I can use it to pick someone else up. Saying this word is a gift of optimism that most of us need right now. When I say, "I hope you have a wonderful day", I am really feeling with every part of my being I want that person's day to go excellently. When I say, "I hope you feel better", I expect that the healing power is starting within their body as soon as the words come from my mouth. When I say, "I hope for a better world", I must believe it in my heart and soul, that it will happen. So, my challenge to myself is to make this word so special, so meaningful, that when I say this to others, they really feel the power too. I believe that the word hope's best benefit, is what it can do for others. So, with every fiber of my soul I would like to say: my hope for you is that you stay healthy and safe, that your life is filled with happiness, and that you feel the love!