Like many Americans, I often grapple with feelings of hopelessness. The endless stream of content we consume on TikTok and Instagram in a single day provides way more stimulation than we were ever designed to process. Social media, which often shows us carefully curated supercuts of people's lives, can lead to a pervasive sense of FOMO or never-ending comparison. As we doom scroll into content oblivion, we might forget that our minds weren’t built for such overstimulation. How is it possible to stay hopeful when we’re constantly exposed to thousands of others’ highly-filtered lives from around the world?

We also know, based on numerous studies, that anxiety and depression are on the rise globally, especially among younger generations. These mental health struggles are often exacerbated by our culture of overwork, social isolation, and a lack of community. And yet, in the face of these very real challenges, I want to offer a different perspective: we are going to be okay. 

To stay hopeful, the key is to look beyond the noise and focus on the quiet work being done by those who truly care about making the world better. The kindest people are not the loudest in the room—they are the ones who show up, time and again, in quiet, meaningful ways.

Know this: There are so many people who care.

In my work, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people who are dedicating their lives to making a difference. These individuals don’t often grab the spotlight, but their contributions are profound. People like Tracy Borreson, who is building authentic relationships to create community and support among entrepreneurs at TLB Coaching. Or Kerstin Recker, cofounder of PeliHealth, which provides support and resources for women with pelvic health struggles, a completely overlooked part of women's health. Or the founder of the nonprofit Struggle Is Your Success, Moose Abdel, whose organization is dedicated to helping young people in Canada navigate their difficult life challenges. These people, among countless others, are working tirelessly to make real changes in the systems that have left so many feeling hopeless or unseen. They stay hopeful, they focus on what they can control, and they just keep going.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negative news: wars, climate disasters, political turmoil, etc. But if you look closely, there are bright spots, stories of people coming together, helping each other, and finding solutions. These aren’t just random acts of kindness. They’re intentional, community-driven efforts led by people who believe in a better future. In other words, they’re beacons of hope just by showing up every day.

Shifting the Narrative of Humanity

One of the books that has left a lasting impact on my thinking is Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman. I’ve been reading it slowly over the last year and a half because it challenges some of our most deeply ingrained ideas about human nature. For centuries, we’ve been told that humans are selfish, competitive, and even cruel at our core. From 1600s philosopher Thomas Hobbes' view of the "nasty, brutish" human condition to modern news outlets’ coverage that focuses on stories of conflict and fear, it’s easy to buy into the idea that humanity is fundamentally broken.

But Bregman flips that narrative on its head. He presents evidence from psychology, history, and sociology that suggests we are, in fact, wired for cooperation and compassion. One of the most striking examples in the book is how communities come together in times of crisis. Contrary to popular belief, during natural disasters or tragedies, people don’t descend into chaos; rather, they collaborate and look out for one another. This is our true nature. We thrive when we support each other, and it’s this capacity for kindness that gives me hope.

In a world where it feels like cruelty is louder and more pervasive, books like Humankind remind us that the goodness of people often works quietly, behind the scenes. The stories of neighbors helping neighbors, of grassroots movements fighting for social justice, or even just individuals showing small acts of kindness, might not always make headlines, but they matter. These moments of compassion are the fabric of a hopeful future.

Hope as a Muscle 

It’s easy to feel hopeless in today’s world when there’s so much out of our control. But hope isn’t about ignoring the problems we face. It’s about choosing to focus on the solutions, the helpers, and the kindness we see around us. It’s about taking a step back from the overwhelming stream of information that makes us feel small and powerless, and instead looking at the ways, big and small, that we can contribute to change.

Another way to look at it is to view hope like a muscle. In my experience, hope is something that must be cultivated and actively nurtured. It doesn’t always come naturally when we’re bombarded with negativity, but it can grow when we intentionally seek out the stories and people working towards a better world. Surrounding yourself with those who are dedicated to making a difference, whether it’s through activism, education, or simple acts of compassion, can radically shift your perspective. When you start to notice the quiet acts of kindness around you, hope becomes a practice, something that can sustain you even in the most challenging times. And like with any activity, the more you practice, the stronger that muscle becomes. The goal is that staying hopeful eventually becomes part of your everyday practice, something that can help you stay grounded when everything around you feels overwhelming.

Ultimately, we are going to be okay. We live in a world where people are still deeply committed to justice, equality, and compassion. The loud voices may grab our attention, but it’s the quieter, consistent work of good people that will shape the future. The path forward is not without its challenges, but the strength and goodness of our collective humanity will see us through.

What do you think? What are some ways you’ve found glimmers of hope in your day-to-day, even when life feels overwhelming? I’d love to hear what works for others out there, and help lift each other up with tips and advice. Stay hopeful at all costs. You’re never alone.