If you’ve read Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, you’ll know it to be a book about survival. Frankl miraculously survived the network of Nazi concentration and extermination camps.
While there are numerous ideas in this book for changing a person’s life, the message that stands out for me today is that of hope.
Frankl describes how prisoners died less from lack of food or medicine, than from a lack of hope and a lack of something to live for.
He describes a particularly bad day in the camp. He knew encouragement was needed now more than ever. As the men lay in their earthen huts in a low mood, Frankl spoke to them and said that:
“Whoever was still alive had reason for hope. Health, family, happiness, professional abilities, fortune, position in society—all these were things that could be achieved again or restored. After all, we still had all our bones intact. Whatever we had gone through could still be an asset to us in the future.”
Certainly, this current crisis is incomparable to the terrible holocaust. However, we can be inspired by Frankl’s words to find hope and purpose in the very act of living—regardless of our situations.
Several years ago, when I was at my lowest low, I remember specifically the feeling of having lost hope. From that experience, I understand the critical role hope plays.
It’s imperative to find significance in living in the present and to have hope for the future.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. (EST), join me and my guest, Doug Schneider, in a conversation on:
What Do You See? How Our Vision Effects Our Mood
April 28 / 7:00 PM (EST)
During this free webinar, learn how to shift your mindset to:
- See the purpose in the present
- Regain hope
- See a positive future
- Be encouraged
We look forward to having you join us online!
