Every day in the U.S. delivers another blow—to democracy and to our very sanity. No breaks. No days off. One news story after another chips away at our laws, our norms, our resilience.

For those who believe in America’s promise—diversity, opportunity, justice—the erosion is heartbreaking. Meanwhile, extreme right-wing Christian Nationalists, pushing an agenda most Americans reject, cheer the gold-plated Oval Office. They dream of a “more perfect union” that is white, Christian, and male-led—an authoritarian project bent on stripping rights and silencing dissent.

Guns have more rights than women, immigrants, and anyone outside their narrow definition of “acceptable.” Their rule of law is a weaponized version of Christianity, enforced by executive order and fear.

Yes, these are dark days. But history shows that darkness often precedes transformation. Out of disruption can emerge a stronger, more inclusive union. Dr. Martin Luther King reminded us: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

Disappointment is inevitable. Hope is a choice.

Hope gets us through hardship, builds resilience, and fuels courage. And it isn’t abstract—it’s a daily practice.

• Start strong. Fuel your body well, nutritionally and emotionally—food, water, and renewing feelings like care, kindness, compassion, and appreciation.

• De-stress in the moment. When stress occurs, and is most damaging to your health, relationships and performance, use tools like Heart-Focused Breathing® and Quick Coherence® to calm your body and shift into kindness, appreciation, or love.

• Protect your sleep. A regular bedtime, no screens an hour before, and a cool, dark room help restore both body and mind.

• Close with gratitude. Appreciate what went well, and set an intention to do better tomorrow.

In short, create your day by responding from the heart—not the ego. As Rumi wrote: “The heart knows the way. Run in that direction.”

John F. Kennedy once urged the Americas to become “a vast crucible of revolutionary ideas…and example to all the world that liberty and progress walk hand in hand. . . not with an imperialism of force or fear—but the rule of courage and freedom and hope for the future of women and men.” His call is ours again today.

The past cannot be conserved, nor should it. That world—white men at the helm—is gone forever. What lies ahead depends on how we rise to meet this extraordinary moment.

So stay hopeful. Meet negativity as it arises and transform it. Lead with empathy, compassion, courage, and love. On the far side of darkness, we can create an even brighter, more inclusive, and more peaceful path forward than the one we were on before the darkness fell. A world worthy of our efforts—and our hearts.

Keep your spirits high—together, we will rise and soar.

Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash.