Hope is an optimistic state of mind that anticipates positive outcomes, often in the face of challenges. It feels like a warm, uplifting sense of possibility and expectation. Hope shows up when we set meaningful goals and believe we can achieve them, providing a sense of direction and motivation. According to Plutchik's framework, hope is closely related to joy, with medium intensity and positive valence. It’s a powerful emotion that fosters resilience and creativity, helping us navigate through difficult times with a sense of purpose.

Common Triggers

→Setting meaningful goals
→Receiving positive feedback
→Experiencing small successes
→Supportive relationships
→Inspiring stories
→Personal growth moments

Physical Sensations

•Warmth in the chest
•Lightness in the step
•Uplifted mood
•Smile on the face
•Increased energy
•Sense of anticipation

Plutchik's Emotion Wheel

Emotion Family

joy

Evolutionary Function

reproduction / bonding

Opposite Emotion

sadness

Higher Intensity

ecstasy

Lower Intensity

serenity

Working with This Emotion

Recognize

Hope can be recognized by a warm feeling in the chest, a lightness in your step, and a smile on your face. You might feel uplifted and energized, with a sense of anticipation. Words like 'amazing,' 'beautiful,' 'blessed,' and 'delighted' often come to mind.

Understand

Hope is commonly triggered by setting meaningful goals, receiving positive feedback, or experiencing small successes. It can also arise from supportive relationships, inspiring stories, or moments of personal growth.

Label

To label hope precisely, consider what specific outcomes you are anticipating and why they matter to you. Distinguish it from similar emotions like optimism (a general belief in a positive future) by focusing on the concrete goals and plans that underpin your hope.

Express

Healthy ways to express hope include sharing your goals with trusted friends, visualizing success, and taking small steps towards your dreams. Celebrate progress along the way and use affirmations to reinforce your positive outlook.

Regulate

If you feel overwhelmed by hope, practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment. Balance your optimism with realistic planning and set achievable milestones. Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to manage any anxiety that may arise.

Co-occurring Emotions

Emotions that frequently appear alongside hope, based on the NRC Emotion Lexicon.

trust

Associated Words

Words associated with hope from the NRC Emotion Lexicon.

amazingbeautifulblessedblissfulbloomcelebratecheerfulcontentdancedelightedecstaticelatedeuphoricfeastfortunatefreedomfriendgardengiftgladgleefulgratefulhappyharmonyheavenholidayhomejoyfuljubilantlaugh

Using Inner

In Inner, you can track patterns of hope to understand when and why it arises. Notice physical sensations like warmth in your chest or a lightness in your step. Use journal prompts to explore the goals and plans that fuel your hope, and practice gratitude for the positive outcomes you anticipate. If hope feels overwhelming, try grounding techniques to balance your energy.

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Sources & References

—RULER Framework (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
—Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions
—Geneva Emotion Wheel
—Lisa Feldman Barrett - How Emotions Are Made

Hope

Common Triggers

Physical Sensations

Plutchik's Emotion Wheel

Working with This Emotion

Recognize

Understand

Label

Express

Regulate

Co-occurring Emotions

Associated Words

Practical Examples

Using Inner

Sources & References

Related Content

Optimism

Desire

Confidence

Ecstasy

Hopelessness

ESFP (Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving)