Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark. ~George Iles
One of my movie favorites is Bridget Jones’s Diary. If you have not seen the film, it chronicles a 30-something’s journey (Bridget, a single woman living in London, played by Renee Zellweger) as she moves through career and personal angst, one day, one crisis and one joyful event at a time. And all the while, each time I watch the movie, it is her position of ‘hope’ and resolve to choose tomorrow that emboldens me, even now, a decade later.
It’s the glimmering–and sometimes bursting–rays of hope that seem to sweetly shoulder her burdens of life.
Amidst her fretting and commiserating, along with her trio of charming, equally angst-ridden and unconditionally supportive friends, she sings through her tears, sets goals in the thick of emotional pain and picks herself up (literally) when she stumbles.
As well, Bridget’s lamenting is reserved for those rowdy, but lighthearted rants with her closest friends or for her time alone, singing karaoke style to songs like “All By Myself,” as she imbibes on cheap wine and falls ungracefully asleep in her apartment.
What I like MOST about Bridget is her ‘keep on going’ attitude, her charming smile and confidently insecure, bold attempts to make a path for herself, personally and in her career. She doesn’t publicly grouse and moan and point fingers at others for her problems. Instead, she focuses on her goals and keeps plowing through obstacle-filled streets, frequently veering off into unknown and uncomfortable roadways.
She shrugs off the naysayers and the negativity; in fact, finds the clarity to push back when done wrong and rebuild her career when faced with a critical career and personal juncture. As such, personal and career rewards emerge, like the hearty daffodils that confidently push through the harsh cold ground of winter.
All this begs the question: What is your relationship with hope?
Mine has been a fairly constant one; although, on occasion, I’ve proven fickle, or perhaps a bit jaded, frustrated or even simply frightened, that my hope would not sustain me–through the anxieties of youth, the entanglements of adult worry, the upset of career curves, the bitter sting of divorce, and the wildly uncertain future of owning my own business.
Hopefully one day I’ll meet the man who loves me ‘just as I am.’ Hopefully I’ll gain financial security (abundance, even!). Hopefully I’ll one day sail to far-flung islands, listen to mamba tunes and drink pina coladas with abandon.
Hope for me, a most powerful word, has been my anchor in times of great storms; in fact, often the only bridge, between despair and emotional comfort, has been hope. Hope has, thus far, in the big-scheme of things, at the end of the day, NEVER let me down.
Do you offer hope a place in your life and your career and then forge ahead, creating the friction necessary to spark the fires that often will lead to that flame of opportunity and forward movement?
By Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, Master Resume Writer
Jacqui –
This makes me want to drive to Wilmington (despite the threat of Hurricane Earl looming) and find a copy of Bridget Jones diary.
GREAT post. And I can attest to your indomitable spirit of hope. You’ve helped pick me up, dust me off and find that silver lining more times than I can count. For that … there are no words big enough for THANK YOU!
Hugs to you my anchor, my bridge, my rising tide and most valued, my friend.
Dawn,
“Indomitable spirit of hope” – I can always count on you for recapping my thoughts in your own strong, smartly worded way (while also knitting in a compliment (thank you!). Word Wranglers Unite!
It’s mutual THANK YOUs, between Missouri and North Carolina.
Hugs back!
PS – Note to self: must equip my friend with Bridget Jones DVD.
Jacqui
Jacqui,
I agree with Dawn – great post! It’s very important to keep hope throughout your life, especially in the job search. Forging ahead into uncharted territory is scary for anyone. But, if you have hope and those that believe in you, anything is possible.
Very inspiring post! Keep up the great work!
Kirk
Kirk,
Thanks so much for visiting my blog! (Your first visit here, I believe? : )
You’re so right about forging ahead into uncharted territory being scary. Moving through that fear, though at times painful, can be so empowering (and feed further hope), don’t you think?
Many thanks for your kind words and value-add comment!
Jacqui
Great post, Jacqui! and you know that I believe in hope and faith and a never-ending spirit of trying… I am glad to join you in all of that. I think people who stop hoping, dreaming, and trusting are the ones in trouble…
I am so glad someone else is helping Dawn find silver linings… :-0
Julie,
Absolutely, I know that you have a hopeful, faithful spirit, Julie! Your blog posts and actions attest to that. I especially like that you mention ‘dreaming’ – it’s those optimistic, hopeful daydreams (or even dreams at night) that keep us moving through the ‘sludge’ sometimes!
Re: Dawn: it’s mutual — she provides ME with as many silver linings as I can ever hope to offer her.
Jacqui
I loved this post, Jacqui!! There are many stories to inspire us as Bridget does–my favorite latest book/movie is Eat Pray Love. She’s a bit self-indulgent, but learns hope and balance.
One of the things I love about our profession is being allowed to share or observe those stories of hope that take people through tough times I couldn’t even imagine–only to come out on the other side stronger and richer in some way. Life is hard; hope is a needed mainstay for not only pushing through, but enjoying what blessings are right before us. Thanks for sharing your insights so beautifully written!
Hi Barb,
Thanks for relating and sharing. I own the book, “Eat, Pray, Love” and though, like you said, the author appears a bit self-indulgent, the take-away learnings of hope/balance resonate.
Your point about our profession is so true: sharing AND observing those stories of hope is a continuum; and importantly (as you shine a spotlight on), we come out on the other side stronger and richer in some way through these experiences.
Many thanks for your insights and kind remarks.
~ Jacqui
Hi Jacqui,
As always, love reading your posts! When is that book coming? 🙂
You write about a favorite movie and once again weave in your message. This time of HOPE.
I have a few fav movies also. One that had great impact for me in regard to life/career direction (showing my age here) was “Regarding Henry” with Harrison Ford. You’ll have watch it to see the analogy of life-changing career decisions.
Back to your message of HOPE. I agree we need to be hopeful and positive in our thinking and activities. Especially when dealing with people, because this translates to attitude. HOPE also shows forward-thinking and goal orientation.
In my experience, people want to be around a happy person with a “can do” attitude. HOPE to meet you IRL soon!
Best, Mike
You always add value and thoughtful insights, Mike! Good point about “people want to be around a happy person with a ‘can-do’ attitude!” It fuels and and accelerates optimism and is a reciprocating behavior!
Oh, “Regarding Henry” – excellent movie! Truly a great analogy of life-changing career decisions; and both the husband/wife learned, grew and enhanced their ways of thinking through Henry’s recovery!
Appreciate, as always your stopping by … and your continued prodding re: writing a book (stand by, hubby and I have book plans brewing ; )
PS – Hope to meet IRL soon, too! 😉
~ Jacqui
I read this article searching some information about Renee Zellweger – It´s a great post, Jacqui!
I believe in hope like Julie does, she described it very well. Even my new diagnosed diabetes typ 1 won´t stop me from it and learnt me to live more intensively and to have more fun instead of giving up!
My best wishes to you from Germany!
Nils