A question came to mind regarding hope.

On the subject of hope ... a book that has helped me through past crises is "The Anatomy of Hope", by Jerome Groopman, M.D. He writes of realistic hope (vs. the other kind),.. and how to adjust our goals as we go along. Dr. Groopman is an empathic, pragmatic doctor and a good writer. Also, I'd like to second @edsutton's recommendation of Viktor Frankl's magnificent book "Man's Search for Meaning". If Dr. Frankl could retain some hope in a concentration camp ... and he did... we can learn a lesson from it. He attributes this attitude to helping him survive with and for a purpose, which was in part to write the book and inspire others who suffer.

Maybe it would help to define hope on an individual basis. And hope is quite an elusive thing. Example: if I received a cancer dx with one month to live hope might mean...to me...that I am in denial.

Thanks for your response!
You are not the first one to recommend Frankl's book which I read many years ago.
I thank Mayo for this platform.

ALL feelings and emotions are individual, whether hope, hate, love, etc.
I feel that you don't have to be a "Doomsayer" to be hopeless. Maybe the combination of being ultra- realistic AND a tad depressed, is what brings me to this feeling.
Trust me I am not su*c*dal but at least in my own case, I keep my hope to a bare minimum.
What a cheerful Monday morning topic!
HA MY NAME IS "JOY!"

That's a good point. But I'm wondering if "hope" might be realistic, too--like hoping in this imaginary case to get good hospice care, work out something unresolved with a friend, have pain control...I tend to the realistic, so my hope might be based on circumstances. Am enjoying this discussion!

Interesting article Joy.

Thanks,
Jim

Hopefully (no pun intended) Dr. Groopman's book "Anatomy of Hope" also pertains to finding purpose in life after retirement. But I do find three things help with my mood as I age:
1. Exercising
2. Socializing
3. Meditation

Jim

You're welcome.
I'm pleased it got such good engagement

I’m wondering if perhaps those rated as “less hopeful” were perhaps more realistic about their outcomes? And “more hopeful” were basing expectation of hopeful outcomes based on accurate diagnosis/medical prognosis?
I read a study a while back that reported more depression in those with accurate expectations vs. feelings of optimism and well- being in those with higher, (if not accurate) expectations (optimists).
Perhaps we are looking at two very different aspects: well being vs. longer life. I wonder when/if we will be able to focus on living well (qualitative) vs. “just” living longer (quantitative)???
Victor Frankel survived the death camp, and went on to live a productive and creative rest of his life!!!

Thank you! Your wisdom
Perhaps the philosophy or mindset you have adopted could be called, “living in the moment”? Focusing on “one day at a time” and “what can I control” can foster a realistic sense of empowerment and control that also helps with fear (found in thoughts about the future).
I’m going to find the book (Anatomy of Hope), and read further!
Thank you, Joy, for sharing your hopeful wisdom!!!