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You may get to a post where it may look like life has thrown you into a dark season, or moments where things may not be going as you had anticipated them. In these moments of despair, you may begin to think that you are not doing well or that you are trapped in a dark tunnel with no way of escape. It is in a moment like this that you need to maintain your hope. Even though the future may not be certain, yet giving up is not an option. Remember that hope shines as bright as the light in the tunnel. As a matter of fact, the reason why going through the tunnel is not discouraging is because of the light at the end of it. That is, it is the hope that your actions will yield positively, that will make you to actually take up the actions.

<center>![christmas-background-1926414_640.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZTTt48BCs7sBBCuFYCrZCdMsbEfkXvpdmf9ehe6AksdT/christmas-background-1926414_640.jpg)</center>

<center><sub>Image from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/christmas-background-hands-open-1926414)</sub></center>

There is nothing that reminds one that the story is not yet over like hope. Even if everything looks like it is lost, hope will still remind you that there are beautiful and amazing things waiting for you in the future, so it will keep you on your feet. Each day that the night comes, do you know why you are not bothered or worried? Obviously, because you know that in a few hours, the day will dawn. In the same way in life, the challenges you are facing does not permanently define your lot - you have to have hope that things will turn out good for you. Hope is like the light that leads one out of confusion, despair, and pain, and then replace it with new beginnings.

It is worthy to note that hope is not an exclusive trait of the strong nor of those who already have their answers. Even in moments of weakness, hope can become your most powerful ally. In fact, the beacon of light that shines in the middle of darkness is hope. If you have lost anything but your hope is still alive, then you have not lost everything. No matter how terrifying the despair is, it is not strong enough to challenge the power of hope. I remember a comment made by a friend during his lectures some months back, he said "you have not really lost everything, no matter what you think you have lost until you have lost your hope." As long as your hope is sustained, then a lot of good things are possible to happen for you.

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<center><sub>Image from [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/never-lost-hope-hope-sand-stone-2636197)</sub></center>

In order to build and sustain your hope, there are things that you need to observe and do. Firstly, you have to beware not to allow negative thoughts in your mind. What goes on in your mind can either spark up hope or despair. If something happens, instead of thinking "why me?" "will this ever be over?" which can spark up despair, it is better to look at the positive side and what you stand to gain in the future. You have to resolve within your mind to stay positive and think the solution, not focusing only on the dark side of what has happened. Your response at the face of an occurrence is born out of your dominant thoughts. If you think positively, then your responses will also be positive.

Another thing you have to beware of, in order to build hope is the people you surround yourself with. The people you stay with can either help you to build hope or take it away from you. You do not have to stay with people who constantly remind you of negativities or who bring bad news at each time. Rather, you need to stay with the people who will help you to see the bright side of life, who will remind you that "you can do it." I once knew someone who, each time we met, all he would be talking about was how life is difficult and the ills that happen around the world. Anytime I met him, I would go back feeling sad. After a while, I decided to keep my distance, because he is obviously not supportive of hope. So mind your association if you must build hope. Always remember that hope is a choice, not what you are born with.

***Thanks for reading***

<div class=phishy>Peace on y'all</div>

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