Hope Blog – Brittany Stonestreet

Hope :: Life Update

My work space, desk with raised laptop and second monitor, keyboard, mouse, notepad, mug, office supplies, and a plaque that reads "Make things happen"

Happy August! So sorry it’s been a little hit-or-miss these past few weeks! Honestly, I figured the most topsy-turvy time for posting to my blog would be while I was moving in July, but that ended up being fairly straightforward. I had expected my summer to be filled with lots of freelance work, but forContinue reading “Hope :: Life Update”

Hope :: Your Story Matters

For those who have been reading my hope blog posts since the beginning, you’re aware of why I created this site, what inspired me to start writing, and—really—the purpose for everything I do. But for those who have only just discovered any part of my writing journey or just come across a single post andContinue reading “Hope :: Your Story Matters”

Hope :: Dust Yourself Off

Oof. You know, just a handful of weeks ago, I wrote a post about being cautiously optimistic and not diving into things head first. I thought I had a better hold on myself (finally) and was approaching life in a different way. Well, this week’s setback proved to me that I am just as committedContinue reading “Hope :: Dust Yourself Off”

Hope :: Being Suspended

Person standing bent backward over rail of suspension bridge with foggy trees in background

You know, I thought having the entire month of July to move would be a great thing! And in a lot of ways it is. But in a few ways, not so much. I love that I didn’t have to rent a moving truck and get the proper parking permits for it. I love thatContinue reading “Hope :: Being Suspended”

Hope :: Spiraling Thoughts

black and white photo of person wearing sweater with blurred-out head, picture frame with flowers in background

Anyone who knows me (on a personal level) knows that I am a major overthinker. I also have ADHD (inattentive). The “hyperactive” part for me happens in my mind, which means I hyper-fixate on an issue. So, I overthink to the point where I (1) send myself into a panic attack, or (2) freeze, unable to makeContinue reading “Hope :: Spiraling Thoughts”

Hope :: Hope but Be Smart about It

rocky cliff with person jumping feet first into water below

I have a bad habit of diving head first into things. But if you’ve ever had a swimming lesson, one of the first lessons they teach you is to never dive in right away, especially if you aren’t sure what might be beneath the surface. What are you supposed to do? Jump in feet first.Continue reading “Hope :: Hope but Be Smart about It”

Hope :: Avoid the Pain, Avoid Growth

soil and sprouts with seed pods still attached

Disclaimer: As always with these sorts of posts, I will never condone abuse of any sort. When I speak of pain, I do not mean from abuse from another person. If you are experiencing abuse, it is always my goal to help you seek asylum and find a way to freedom. I will be theContinue reading “Hope :: Avoid the Pain, Avoid Growth”

Hope :: When to Let Go of Hope

pitch black background with child holding and about to release a lit Chinese lantern

Okay, I realize that title, “When to Let Go of Hope,” probably sounds really ominous, but stick with me for a few and you’ll see where I’m going with this, I promise! The full title, what this post is really about, is: Knowing when to let go of hope and when to hang on. Or:Continue reading “Hope :: When to Let Go of Hope”

Hope :: Others-Focused Mentality

hands reaching down and grasping and caring for aged hands of an older person

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post and included a portion about how we need to learn to love ourselves, but that there’s a portion of Scripture (Philippians 2:3) that says to think of others as better than yourself. The way this particular verse was taught to me—and the way I’ve been living itContinue reading “Hope :: Others-Focused Mentality”

Hope :: Finding the Bright Side

Storm clouds with lightning flashing through

You know, in today’s world, it’s really easy to become cynical. It’s easy to be pessimistic and lose sight of hope . . . without even realizing it’s happening. My mom used to talk about my optimism and how I could find the positive in anything. It used to seem like a superpower of mine. Until, suddenly,Continue reading “Hope :: Finding the Bright Side”