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52 Reasons: Writing the Book of Hope

REASONS TO HOPE 

It’s a new year, clean slate, fresh take. How will we write the next chapter in our story? What if we could create a story of gratitude, compiled into a Book of Hope for 2021? If we start now, by the end of the year, we will each have 52 reasons to hope — one for each week of the year — and nearly 2,000 gratitudes, at 5 a day for 365 days.

That feels like a lot, but we’re gonna make it simple and easy. It’s the same action we’ll take together every week. By the end of January, it’ll be your new favorite habit. And the beauty of this is it’s not about the numbers or checking off boxes, but rather the experience we’re having together in the process. There’s no getting behind or catching up, if you drop off for a while, pick right back up with us wherever you are. 

This is a journey not a destination. Sometimes we have to wander in circles for days before we see the beauty of where we are. So are you with us? After 2020, we’re ready to focus on what truly matters. This will be an experiment and we’re so excited to experience this with you. 

THE BOOK OF HOPE

Daily 5 

Join me in writing down 5 things you’re thankful for, pen on paper if you’re up for it. If that becomes an impediment to actually getting the gratitudes down every day, use your phone, whatever works, it’s about the action of recognizing what you’re thankful for on the reg. I will say that handwriting is optimal as it slows down the brain enough to realize things that you might not recognize in the swirl of digital communication, even with yourself. Plus it’s just a lovely ritual to have your Book of Hope by your bedside; even just looking at it will remind you of your practice and all the joy it contains. And it will serve as a memento of your journey for years to come.

Quality is always over quantity here, so if you get overwhelmed, figure out what works best for you. Maybe it’s not daily, or maybe it’s not 5. Maybe it’s 25 when the spirit flows. Take this month to find your own rhythm and then commit to that. It’s more about establishing a practice than worrying about numbers. 

Weekly Reasons to Hope

Reflect on what gives you reason to hope. This could be directly tied to the moment or the week ahead, or could be something broader and more far reaching, reasons that you’ve carried with you throughout your life. Start with the statement “_____  gives me hope because…” and write out what it is about this idea or person or thing or experience that offers you hope — anything from your kids, your work, the beauty of the natural world, wherever you feel inspired. Consider the ways you see this reason to hope and your process of finding hope. Reflecting on this can be just as revealing as identifying the source of hope. 

Community of Hope

We invite you to join our community, sharing reflections, daily gratitudes and weekly reasons to hope. Over the coming weeks, we’ll introduce a variety of ways to connect. For now, comment  

-in the weekly Instagram video chat Mondays at 3pm EST 

-on our weekly Instagram post 

-tweet us at @rootandvinenews 

We love pictures! Snap a shot from your Book of Hope, or a picture of your Reason to Hope and tag us #bookofhope #reasonstohope 

MAKE IT OFFICIAL

Research shows that the brain does not recognize the difference between ritual and actual experience, so when we make an intentional vow to perform a behavior, we increase the likelihood that we will actually do it. As we set out on this journey together, let’s first begin with a commitment, a vow to practice gratitude in our own human messy everyday way, however it looks or feels. Write it down, as simple as “I commit to look for gratitude each day and I will write down what I discover.”  Post your vow on the bathroom mirror or kitchen fridge, or by your bed, somewhere you will see it regularly.

We can do this! See you next Monday at 3pm EST on Root & Vine’s Instagram

Despite all the darkness, human hope is based on the instinct that at the deepest level of reality some intimate kindness holds sway. This is the heart of blessing. To believe in blessing is to believe that our being here, our very presence in the world, is itself the first gift, as Rilke says: ‘to be here is immense.’

– John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us
Photo: Annie Spratt

About Kate Tucker  
When not writing for Consensus, Kate can be found making music. As a performing artist and songwriter, she’s released five albums, two EPs and produced many collaborations including books, films, music videos, fashion editorials, and art exhibitions. She finds hope in connecting with humans in the creative process, in the quiet of nature, in poetry and song. She’s currently living in the woods of Ohio finishing the documentary film, Tell It Like It Is. More of her work is at katetucker.net

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