Welcome
We collect stories, science and simple tools to help you rebuild after tough seasons. Hope isn’t blind optimism—it’s the daily practice of finding a path and taking the next step.
Understanding
Hope is the quiet expectation that things can get better, even when life feels uncertain. It isn’t forced positivity—it’s a skill, a mindset, and a way of looking forward.
Psychologist C. R. Snyder described two essential building blocks of hope:
1. Name one thing you want to improve this week.
2. Write three different ways to move toward it.
3. Circle the easiest one—and take that step today.
For readers who love the science: APA Dictionary • Oxford Handbook of Hope Theory
Mini check-in
When a path closes, hope whispers: “There’s another way.”
Community
The people below faced fire, oceans, injury, disability, war and public pressure—and kept going. Their paths aren’t identical to yours; that’s the point. Hope looks like many things.
Caught in a grassfire during a 100km ultramarathon in WA (2011), Turia sustained burns to ~65% of her body. After years of surgeries and rehab, she rebuilt her life as an author, coach and fundraiser.
Trapped by flames in the Kimberley, Turia was airlifted out and spent two years in recovery, later mentoring thousands and raising funds for surgical care and resilience programs.
Source: turiapitt.com
At 16, Jessica sailed solo and unassisted around the world (2009–2010), weathering storms and knockdowns. Her story inspired the Netflix film True Spirit.
Her Sydney Harbour return (15 May 2010) sparked national celebration. The film dramatizes parts of the voyage; Jessica emphasizes meaning and growth over records.
Born with sacral agenesis, Kurt became one of the world’s great wheelchair racers—finishing his Paralympic career with 13 medals. He now leads system‑level inclusion work.
Kurt has multiple marathon titles and was appointed Chair of the National Disability Insurance Agency Board (2022), bringing lived experience into leadership.
Source: Paralympics Australia • NDIS
After losing both legs in Afghanistan (2012), Curtis learned paracanoe—then won gold medals at Tokyo 2020 (KL2 and VL3), turning trauma into mastery.
From rehab to world titles, Curtis’s arc shows identity can be rebuilt with a new craft, team and goal.
Source: Wikipedia summary
His bestselling memoir The Happiest Refugee recounts fleeing war‑torn Vietnam by boat, surviving pirates and hunger, and rebuilding in Australia through humour and grit.
From migrant beginnings to award‑winning creative work and philanthropy, Anh’s story is a touchstone for many Australians.
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
After surviving an attack for advocating girls’ education, Malala became the youngest‑ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2014) and continues global education work.
Malala co‑founded Malala Fund and speaks worldwide for safe, free education. Courage + purpose = contagious hope.
Nobel Prize: nobelprize.org
Have a story of hope—long or short? We welcome anonymous posts.
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