Cultivating Hope reviewed by Irene S. Roth

                                      Cultivating Hope
   By: Karen Casey
   Hazelden Press
   191pages
   Printed Paperback
   $15.95    
Karen Casey's book is about how an individual can live a life that is fearless and meaningful at a time when such virtues are so difficult to come by. We live in very troubled social, personal, and financial times. This is why Casey's book is so important for us today. Casey also comes from a troubled background herself. For a long time, all she really wanted out of life was for others to change. This, she thought, would ensure her peace and happiness.
 
   It took her a few years to come to the realization that she was the one who had to change. Although this was difficult for her to accept at first, she did keep trying to open up to the idea that if she didn't change, nothing else would either.
  
   Understanding the true nature of anger is the key to changing our outlook. Holding judgments against anyone  holds us hostage. Everything we experience can be a pathway to a more peaceful and hopeful life. Our lives can dramatically change through the power of hope. When we face obstacles in life, we must refuse to give up on hope. Our experiences are all necessary. We are always where we need to be, sharing space and time with others who are part of our destiny. People who are able to understand and then apply these principles can ultimately realize an inner peace that's so complete that others are changed by their very presence.
  
   This process of seeing and understanding anew isn't something that happens overnight. We won't get to where we want to be without patience, commitment, and a little willingness and a lot of effort. Most of us don't like to change our old ideas and our old ways of doing things. However, we need to make informed choices about our behavioral and attitudinal changes. Every person that we affect with our new hopeful vision of hope will be encouraged to see their life differently. If we want a different life, a different set of experiences, a more hopeful world, we must be agents of change.
  
   Hope is the trigger that can change every perspective an individual holds dear. A vision of hope is what gives it all of this power. When hope opens the door to these possibilities, individuals have to decide if they want to change or live as they always have lived. It is incumbent on those of us who have been led by our experiences with hope to serve as examples to others. There is another way to think and live, other than in a gloomy and depressive way. By embracing
 hope, we all have an opportunity to align our thinking with this idea.
  
   Casey's book is divided into twelve themes, one for each month. Each begins with a story of hope, followed by an essay or reflection, for each week. Additional reflections are included at the end of the book for those months that have an extra week in a given year. The essays for each week can be read once at the beginning of the week or daily, if its helpful. It is best to read each essay more than once so that it implants firmly in our minds.
  
   Casey's book is a like a breath of fresh air.  If only readers can fully understand and accept some of the principles, insights and personal stories in the book, their thoughts and habits will be imbued with positive energy and they will gain the perspective and strength to turn away from fear and will open themselves to potential and positive change.
  
   Rating: 4 Roses
  
   Irene S. Roth
   The Muse Book Reviewer