Imagine a world where hope isn’t just a wish but a powerful force that all know how to cultivate, guiding us through the darkest times. It’s literally what I do every morning, and what keeps me on this journey, In this issue of the Hopebeat Weekly, we’re diving deep into stories, strategies, and science behind hope—how we can recover from natural disasters. It only takes a spark of hope to start a movement, so join us and let’s get started.

Natural Disasters and Hope

Seems like one natural disaster after another. The recent tornadoes in Arkansas made me think deeply about it, and what we could do to help teach others how to navigate them more proactively using the lens of hope, so we don’t get stuck in a rut and develop clinical anxiety and depression. It’s what prompted me to reach out to my friend and someone that inspires me, Kristi Kandel, who is not just a business leader yet also someone that has come out the other side of Hurricane Ian in Florida and wildfires in Nevada.

So in my latest episode, I talk to Kristi, who shares what she went through in the Florida hurricane and how she navigated the hopelessness all experience during disasters and navigated her way to hope. She also shares how she helped her community recover, and what she did to turn a tragedy into a new real estate idea that is now being used to transform communities. Kristi is the CEO and Founder of I&D Consulting, and the hurricane that inspired her new company in real estate is now thriving.

In this episode, she shares strategies about what you can do for your own community should you encounter a disaster, and things you can do today to be more prepared. Listen to the full podcast episode here.

Did You Know:

Research is clear hope is a powerful force in recovery after natural disasters. It not only boosts mood and emotional well-being but also spurs people into action. Hope helps to prevent PTSD-related symptoms that can emerge from disaster and promote positive outcomes (Long, 2022).  Check out more science on the benefits of hope.

Cool Events:

Many know I’ve moved back to Chicago. So it was pretty surreal this summer to keynote a conference for some superheroes; 1300 compassionate, kind, and loving school nurses from across the US. I shared my journey, including growing up in Chicago, just down the road where I used to go with him on Saturdays to the First National Bank of Chicago, and help him work, only to tragically losing him to suicide when I was 18.

I shared my own personal struggles, how I found hope science, what led me to create our programs, and then shared how nurses can write their own Shine Hope Story. I’m grateful to NASN for having me and to School Health, Rob Rogers, and Susan Rogers for making it possible. I also want to thank Robin Cogan for sharing her Shine Hope Story, participating in The Hope Matrix Podcast, and being a beacon of hope for all school nurses.  Check out some highlights from the NASN 2024 Conference.

Photo Credit: Joe Luna Photography, Robin Cogan, and School Health

What Else Is Happening:

Las Vegas is making some pretty epic progress thanks to Green Our Planet (such a cool organization!). They are activating hope in Las Vegas by planting sunflowers and putting up Garden for Hope signs in 220 schools across the area, so when the kids come back they will be welcomed with sunflowers and learn how to write their Shine Hope Story. Check out how Green Planet’s is activating Hope here.

Photo credit: Green Our Planet