Do We Carry Hope to Others?

By James Katende – Do we, as people, truly appreciate and express gratitude for the so-called year of hope, or do we merely acknowledge it in words while our actions remain stagnant?

This is a question worth reflecting on, especially in a world where phrases like hope, change, and unity are often used but rarely acted upon in consistent and meaningful ways. A year of hope suggests a time where people are expected to rise from the ashes of adversity, to look forward with courage, and to build a better future together. But how often does that intention turn into reality? Do we carry the spirit of hope into our everyday decisions, or do we let it become just another empty sentiment that passes by with time?

Hope, by its nature, demands more than just acknowledgement. It is not passive. It is a call to action, a force that pushes us to move, to change, to grow. Yet many of us fall into the trap of simply celebrating the idea of hope without fully embracing the responsibility it brings. We read books, attend events, post quotes online, and nod in agreement when someone speaks of positive change. But how many of us take those words and turn them into deliberate actions? How many of us challenge ourselves to become better, to help others, to break harmful patterns, or to fight for something beyond our own comfort? The truth is that reading about hope and talking about hope is easy. Living it out each day, especially when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable, is where the true test lies.

It is important to recognise that gratitude itself is not just a feeling; it is something that should be visible in how we behave. If we are genuinely grateful for a year of hope, we would not just sit back and speak of its importance. We would show that gratitude by stepping up when needed, by encouraging others, by contributing to the healing and growth of our communities. Being grateful means using the opportunities that hope provides and not letting them slip by. But unfortunately, many people choose the easier path, staying in the safety of reflection without ever entering the risk-filled space of action. They admire the idea of hope, they speak about it passionately, yet they do not let it change them.

There is also the uncomfortable reality that some people treat hope as something external, something that must arrive from the outside, a leader, a movement, a breakthrough—before they do anything. But genuine hope does not wait. It begins within each person. It starts in small, often unseen moments: choosing kindness when anger is easier, being honest when it would be simpler to lie, showing up when we would rather quit. These moments may seem insignificant, but they are where hope truly lives and breathes. Without them, all our talk about hope becomes hollow.

Moreover, gratitude is not a seasonal emotion meant only for special times or slogans. If we are thankful for the year of hope, we must let that gratitude guide our future choices. We must build on what the year gave us, not just remember it fondly and return to old habits. The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are letting hope shape our lives in real, observable ways or whether we are still just spectators, watching the world talk about change while we do little to create it. The year of hope was never meant to be the end; it was supposed to be the beginning. But beginnings only matter if we continue the journey they start.

In the end, the choice lies with each of us. We can keep reading, speaking, and dreaming without moving, or we can decide that hope is more than a word and gratitude is more than a feeling. We can begin to live in a way that honours what we have been given, not by saying more, but by doing more. Because hope, when truly appreciated, demands action. And gratitude, when truly felt, cannot remain silent