This Was Supposed to be Easy Podcast

S2 Episode 49: We Thought Building Hope Was Supposed to Be Easy

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In a world that feels loud with bad news, Cheryl and Amy slow down to talk about something both tender and surprisingly practical: hope. Inspired by a conversation between Mayim Bialik and Simon Sinek on optimism vs. pessimism, they explore what hope really is (and what it isn’t). Together, they name how easy it is to spiral into helplessness—and how hope can be a mindset plus action, not denial or “marshmallow fluff.” From “good news” algorithms, to boundaries that protect mental health, to Cheryl’s seed-ordering ritual as a tiny act of future-facing faith, this episode offers grounded ways to build hope—especially when it doesn’t come naturally. The conversation closes with Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the Thing with Feathers,” an invitation to carry hope together.

Key Topics and Takeaways

  • Hope vs. Optimism (and why it’s not toxic positivity): Hope doesn’t ignore hard things—it acknowledges reality and believes change is possible.
  • Hope is buildable: You’re not either “born hopeful” or not. Hope can be practiced and strengthened over time through small, intentional shifts.
  • Mindset + action: Hope isn’t passive wishing. It includes agency (“I have influence”) and pathways (finding a route forward)—a nod to Snyder’s Hope Theory and VIA Character Strengths.
  • How to “train your attention” toward hope: Curating what you consume (news, social media, “good news” accounts) and noticing kindness in everyday moments can restore perspective.
  • Boundaries are part of hope: Being hopeful doesn’t mean giving everyone access to you. Protecting your mental health can be a hopeful act.
  • Hope and grief can coexist: Amy names the difference between hoping and wishing—how “wishing things were different” can activate grief, and how hope can live alongside grieving what was or what could have been.
  • Micro-practices that cultivate hope:
    • “Two good things” noticing (acts of kindness, small goodness)
    • Hope journaling (future-oriented reflection + next steps)
    • Turning hope into a SMART goal (one small step counts)
    • Having multiple pathways ready (Plan A, B, C)
    • Leaning on hopeful people—hope grows when shared

      • Memorable Lines

      • “True optimism, true hope, is actually grounded in action.”
      • “Hope is mindset plus action together.”
      • “It’s not blinders… it helps to see the good things that are also happening.”
      • “One of the ways for me to remain hopeful is to be aware of what I need to be hopeful… and it doesn’t mean everyone gets access to me.”
      • “I wish you peace… I hope you find comfort… I hope you meet your goals in a way that doesn’t cause harm to other people.”
      • “I’m going to grieve the loss of what was… and hope for the best.”
      • “There’s so much hope inside the seed.”
      • “Hope grows when it’s shared with others.”

        •  

        This Week’s Gentle Challenge

        Try a “Hope Practice” for several days—small on purpose. Choose one:

        1. Two Glimpses of Good
          2. Each day, notice two moments of kindness, humor, or decency (tiny counts). Write them down or text them to someone.
        2. Hope Journaling (5 minutes)
          3. Answer: What’s one thing I’m looking forward to?
          Then: What’s one baby step I can take this week?
          Bonus: Write two alternate pathways in case your first plan doesn’t work.
        3. Plant a Seed (literal or metaphorical)
          4. Do one small future-facing action that says: I believe something good can grow here.
          Order seeds. Start a file. Send the email. Make the appointment. Take the walk.

          And if you’re willing: share your hope practice with Cheryl and Amy—your story might become someone else’s “crumb” of hope this week.

          Note: This episode reflects personal experiences and cited research summaries; it’s not therapy or legal advice. For personal situations, consult a qualified professional.

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            This Was Supposed to be Easy PodcastBy supposedtobeeasy