What Gives You Hope?
Welcome to week 8 of the Winter Wellness Challenge.
We do not need to remind you that the past year the WNY area has been challenging. From the racially motivated mass shooting in May, to the death and destruction during the Blizzard of 2022, and the many events in between and after, there are many stories of incredible sadness and overwhelming challenge. Also, there have been many stories of hope and inspiration. Hope is powerful. Damar Hamlin, his family and his Bills teammates will all agree – hope is what helped them through the trying moments and days following the January 2nd on-field injury witnessed by millions. So, today we ask you to reflect on what gives you hope and helps you grow, even during challenge?
We invite you to watch this video and learn about what hope looks like through the eyes of others. This may inspire you to consider what hope means to you.
With hope comes opportunity for growth. In this video Dr. Carol Dweck explores what actions you can take to create an environment that fosters growth and possibility.
Developing a Growth Mindset in Organizations – Dr. Carol Dweck (3 minutes)
Challenge:
This exercise is about reflection on our experiences – and exploring what gives you hope, and what you need in your life to support your growth.
We invite you to identify a recent challenging experience. Now take this opportunity to reflect on how these protective areas supported your outlook and provided hope.
➔ Supportive people – People who gave you advice, or perhaps helped you develop a new, more helpful perspective
➔ Strategies – Methods and approaches you implemented to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings
➔ Sagacity – Wisdom and insights that may have been helpful
➔ Solution-seeking behaviors – Planning, for instance, or searching for useful information
After reflecting on your current status with these areas, what are some ways in which you can add onto these protective factors?
Moving forward throughout the year, keep these protective factors in mind when dealing with challenging situations. Identify areas of growth and hope.
Bonus Content:
Book 1: Black Joy
When Tracey M. Lewis-Giggetts wrote an essay on Black joy for The Washington Post, she had no idea just how deeply it would resonate. But the outpouring of positive responses affirmed her own lived experience: that Black joy is not just a weapon of resistance, it is a tool for resilience.
Hope:
In case you missed it:
Winter Wellness Challenge – Week 1 – Prioritizing Self-Care
Winter Wellness Challenge – Week 2 – Managing Grief and Loss
Winter Wellness Challenge – Week 3 – Conflict: Proactive vs. Reactive
Winter Wellness Challenge – Week 4 – Managing the Stress of the Storm
Winter Wellness Challenge – Week 5 – Money Matters
Winter Wellness Challenge – Week 6 – Fitness and the Mind-Body Connection
Winter Wellness Challenge – Week 7 – Addressing Burnout
Reach out:
As always – if you would like to discuss this topic, or any other concern, please reach out to C&FS EAP to speak with one of our staff for assistance. Please call 716-681-4300 or complete the intake form here:
