Several years ago, during an inpatient hospitalization, I saw one of the psychiatrists on staff @ BHC. When he initiated a discussion with me, he commented on my lack of Hope. He said, "According to research, Hope is necessary. in order to improve." He caught my attention with that simple phrase: according to research.
On a more poignant note...
When I returned to the recreation room, I looked out the window and saw a blue bird in the bush...the blue bird of happiness. Everyone in the room was excited...just like in a scene from K Pax...a movie about a character who had a mental illness.
My aunt and uncle gave me a hand blown glass blue bird of happiness...lol...life...gotta love it!