Another transformative woman who comes to mind is Mary Pipher, a psychologist and author of the classic books Reviving Ophelia and her most recent masterpiece, Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing as We Age. Reviving Ophelia. With the former, Pipher helps many who have dealt with the challenges of raising adolescent girls. She reminds us that each adolescent is uniquely affected by their experiences and encourages healthy exploration.

Providing Hope for Daughters

She tells parents to listen to their daughters and foster independence, while at the same time being alert to the dangers of societal pressures, which can encourage early sexual encounters and experimentation with illegal drugs. Throughout the book, Pipher describes adolescent girls as young trees swaying in the onslaught of an ominous storm. She suggests that the tree’s roots are the family, who will hopefully be the supportive anchor and not allow dangerous choices to be made.

Providing Hope for Aging Women

In Women Rowing North, Pipher fast forwards to the aging woman, and the cultural and developmental challenges we face as we transition into this later stage in life. She says that most older women are grateful for all the gifts that life has bestowed on them and offers ways for aging women to maintain their sense of resiliency. She tells us we have the potential to experience a most joyous time of our lives “if we keep our wits about us, think clearly, and manage our emotions skillfully.” She emphasizes the importance of preparing for this stage in life, engaging in self-care activities, and continuing to have varied interests. We can do this, Pipher says. “We have planned carefully and packed properly, if we have good maps and guides, the journey can be transcendent.”

Summary

In summary, all of these female healers advocate the importance of open communication, tapping into our consciousness, and becoming more self-aware, fostering healing and hope. Hope can be defined as the feeling of being able to achieve something good in the future, especially when faced with challenges or diversity. It’s the ability to live the best quality of life. It’s also about being realistic and open to possibilities.

How to Foster Hope

• Nurture supportive relationships. Whether it’s about fostering hope in yourself or in others, remember that humans are social creatures and connection with others is important. Be with those who make you feel good about yourself and are supportive.
• Be receptive. In helping others, it’s important to pay attention to their needs and concerns. This involves being a good listener and being available when needed.
• Encourage others to celebrate their successes. Focusing on successes helps us have a greater sense of self-confidence and brings a certain peace of mind.
• Have a good reason for living. Having a life passion or a reason to awaken in the morning is important because it gives value and purpose to our lives.
• Practice resiliency. When we are resilient we can bounce back from life’s challenges and in turn, can offer hope.
• Practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness is about living in the moment and focusing on what we’re doing now without looking backward or ahead. It can also foster gratitude and hope.
• Nurture recreational activities. Whether it’s going out for nature walks, listening to music, reading, or watching a movie, it’s important to engage in distractions from your daily routine. It’s also a way to do what you love and bring yourself peace of mind.

References

Orloff, J. (2009). Emotional Freedom. New York: Free River Press.

Pipher, M. (2019). Women Rowing North. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing.

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This post was previously published on Psychology Today.

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