Living is a matter of experiencing life to the fullest. It is the essence of being. Whereas, existing is a matter of surviving in difficult times. No matter what circumstances we face, the challenge is to live not to merely exist. Every generation has had to face unique circumstances: human-induced and/or natural disasters such as wars, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Yet, our generation is facing the most challenging responsibility of all: saving our world. Without proper thought and preparation, we will cease to exist, like so many civilizations that have gone before us. As psychotherapists, we are in a unique position to address the devastation of human suffering, to promote emotional health and well being, and to encourage world harmony. Mutual respect is the key.
This is based on truth, rather than spin, helping others to embrace rather than succumb to group think, to balance thoughts and actions, to appreciate rather than devalue boundaries and beliefs, to be proactive rather than reactive, and to embrace, rather than fear, change. Learning from, rather than merely repeating, the past; dealing with, rather than denying, the problems of the present; and perceiving the possibilities, rather than obstacles, of the future are the requirements of leadership. Active High Hope Leaders are needed (Snyder, 1994, 1999). Psychotherapists are in a unique position to offer such leadership and to instill hope. At times of fear and uncertainty, at times of environmental or human-induced trauma, and at times of change, the challenge is ours.
