Hi everyone

I guess my perspective on hope is different. Yes, absolutely hope can have a dark side. For lack of better phrase.

It’s still a powerful motivator and an agent of change. It’s very difficult to change something without imagining it, unless chance intervenes.

That being said, if the focus is always on a new drive, there is never going to be acceptance.

I think understanding is an important element of hope. If you hope without understanding it can result in negative outcomes. Like expecting to get a job after one application. It’s unlikely to happen unless you’re extremely lucky. But if you understand it will take multiple applications, tailoring a cv, relevant experience, networking, good references and interview practice. Then the outcome is very likely to be positive in time and less stressful because expectations were reasonable.

Of course, understanding and knowledge can be acquired retroactively. If failures happen, there is often a chance to try again.

I’ve found that patience is essential. If pressure is for change to happen now, of course it can result in pain.

I found that physical pain taught me maturity and to appreciate my life in ways that I didn’t when I was younger. Ultimately, to me function is more important than pain. Pain is never pleasant and it has it’s challenges. It certainly takes time to adjust to these challenges.

Tee I hope that you find your own unique way through these challenges. You’re an awesome lady and I’m rooting for you!

I can share that of all of the functioning people in their mid 70s I know with the best health. They focused hard on leading fit lifestyles and maintaining their mobility / function.

Another important thing to know is that it takes two weeks of lack of use for muscles to atrophy. In my experience it is difficult and can take a long time to regain what is lost.

Wishing ya’ll all the best! 🙏

This thread is a fascinating read.