I’m not sure exactly who coined the phrase, but I read a
book several years ago entitled “In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle” written by
Madeleine Blais. The non-fiction book followed the journey of a high school
basketball team in Massachusetts with its defeats and triumphs. I used the
expression to encourage and challenge
my own varsity basketball team I coached years ago and I reference the phrase
to my current students in my government and psychology classes.
For any skill to improve one must practice to enhance or
make it stronger. It is not unique to only athletics. My own personal writing
journey has had its ups and downs. I’ve had moments where I’ve wondered and
questioned if what I was doing with my time and if my commitment to the craft
was merely a lofty dream.
It’s easy to be renewed by the promise that things will get
better when the sun is shining and the atmosphere is pleasant. But, what about
the dark days? How do you conjure up the courage to continue the pursuit of
your dreams? I believe that’s where faith and hope become essential. Perhaps if
you remember the phrase, hope is a muscle, when you’re feeling doubt and when
you’re banging your head up against the wall because you see no progress you’ll
remember every step forward is progress. Every word you write is moving
forward. Life is cyclical. The more you give, the more you get. Maybe not
immediately, but in the long haul. Keep believing. Keep doing. Hope is growing.
