When I feel lonely, isolated or unsettled, I listen to my favourite music and read quotations that encourage optimism. Life without hope would be painful; with hope, it becomes more beautiful. Life contains difficulties and events that affect us in different ways, so optimism and hope must become part of how we continue our journey.

For readers of Al Multaqa in my favourite newspaper, Al Ayam, I would like to share some reflections on optimism and hope:

1. Seek God’s help and do not give up. 2. There is sadness in the heart that is relieved by the joy of knowing God. 3. If you feel distant from people, lonely or estranged, remember your closeness to God. 4. Difficulties become easier when you seek God’s help. 5. When doubts, worries and fears surround you, keep remembering God.

6. Hope in my life is like energy: it does not disappear, but changes from one form to another, because trust in God continues. 7. I stood at the corner of sorrow waiting for hope, and saw it approaching with patience and trust in God. As long as hope remains in our hearts, we can pursue our dreams, move forward and face difficulties with determination.

8. If winter closes your doors and surrounds you with ice, wait for spring. Open your windows to fresh air, look towards returning birds and the sun’s golden light on the branches: a new beginning, a new dream and a renewed heart. 9. Do not despair if you stumble and fall into a deep hole; you may emerge stronger, and God is with those who are patient.

10. Do not hurt someone to make yourself happy or wrong another person to excuse your mistakes. Build happiness without harming others. 11. A person may live without sight, but cannot live without hope. 12. What matters is not only what happens to you, but what you do in response. 13. You may endure pain for hours, but do not accept despair for a moment. 14. Some complain that roses have thorns; others are hopeful because the thorns carry roses. 15. Optimism gives you calm even in difficult moments.

Finally, dear readers, remember the saying quoted in the article: “Be hopeful for good, and you will find it.” I wish you a life filled with optimism and happiness.