Ushering in the New Year: Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA

As we step into a new year, it’s natural to look for hope and fresh beginnings. Yet, for some, the challenges of the past may linger, making it hard to see the light ahead. Issues such as environmental changes, economic uncertainty, social inequities, and divisions within communities remain part of our shared reality. For some, these challenges can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to leave room for new beginnings.

In moments of frustration, it can feel tempting to withdraw from those who think differently. When bad or unfavorable outcomes arise, there’s a human impulse to say, ‘I told you so’ to those who may have been in disbelief. Similarly, when people appear to ignore pressing issues, there’s an urge to shake them by the shoulders and shout, “Wake up! This is going to get really, really bad.” These feelings are real and valid, but they also highlight the intense tension we live with when hope and frustration collide. So, how do we live with hope in the face of uncertainty, when we are frustrated, when we just want to hide away from it all?

Perhaps the answer lies not in avoiding uncertainty, but in embracing it. Hope in times of uncertainty often requires us to actively seek the light. It can be incredibly hard to actively seek the light when it feels so comfortable hiding under the covers, retreating into a place of safety and comfort. In times of struggle or despair, it’s natural to want to stay in the shadows, where the weight of the world feels lighter, and we can avoid facing the challenges ahead. But actively seeking the light requires a conscious shift in mindset. It’s not just about hoping things will improve—it’s about choosing to move toward hope, even when it’s hard. This shift takes discipline. It’s about redirecting your thoughts away from negativity and fear and making a deliberate effort to focus on the things that bring joy, peace, and clarity.

History is filled with stories of individuals and communities who found hope in the most uncertain of times. Consider the Great Depression in the 1930s. Millions of people faced extreme economic uncertainty as jobs disappeared, banks collapsed, and food became scarce. Families had to rethink their priorities, often coming together to support one another in new ways. Communities created programs like soup kitchens and barter systems, and individuals learned to innovate, adapt, and persevere. The crisis forced people to reexamine what they valued most – a shared commitment to rebuild. When we confront our fears and limitations, we often find unexpected strength.

Choosing to face uncertainty doesn’t mean pretending it’s easy or denying the pain it may cause. It means acknowledging reality while holding onto the belief that change is possible. It’s about finding hope not in the absence of struggle but in the midst of it. This doesn’t mean glossing over or ignoring injustice. It’s important to hold leaders and systems accountable. But accountability doesn’t require cynicism; it requires courage, honesty, and, yes, hope. Hope that people can change. Hope that conversations can lead to understanding. Hope that, as daunting as our problems are, they’re not insurmountable.

So, what can we do? At our core, humans are social creatures. We are wired for community. During uncertain times, it is important to seek connections with others, so we have a safe space to share feelings, fears, and frustrations. Being heard and understood is important.  We all know that collective efforts often exceed individual efforts. For example, during natural disasters or economic downturns, communities that come together to pool resources and skills often recover faster and more effectively. We need each other in times of uncertainty.

Let’s take the COVID-19 pandemic, for example. We found creative ways to connect virtually, which offered emotional support and helped our family and friends combat loneliness. These moments remind us that in uncertain times, our connections with one another contribute to the success of humanity.

We can also focus on small wins. Small wins can certainly help build momentum in uncertain times. When I think about the big picture of the world’s challenges, it feels overwhelming; however, I believe that every small act has the power to create lasting change, and we can all be a part of that shift.

Before working for the Notre Dame Sisters, I was stuck in a job that left me feeling drained and defeated. The work environment was difficult, the values of those I worked for didn’t align with my own, and I often felt overworked, underpaid, and undervalued. For eight years I endured this, trying to convince myself that it was just the way things were. It took a toll on my happiness and my health.

Amid this challenging period, however, I managed to achieve a small but transformative win: I went back to school and earned my Master’s degree. At the time, earning my Master’s degree felt like a huge win—juggling work and studies was no small feat. However, it didn’t bring the changes I had hoped for in my job. Looking back, though, it marked a significant turning point in my journey. That degree reminded me of my capabilities. It renewed a belief in myself: I am intelligent, I am enough, I have something valuable to contribute, and I don’t have to settle for a job that restrains me.

With a new sense of confidence, I continued on in my less-than-ideal job, but my perspective began to shift. I started to see that I had the tools to create a different future for myself.

The final push came in the form of an unthinkable tragedy. My cousin passed away in a sudden and devastating accident. It was a stark reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly everything can change. I realized I couldn’t continue wasting time in a situation that made me so unhappy. I owed it to myself—and to the memory of my cousin—to live fully and intentionally.

Taking that leap, however, wasn’t something I could do alone. My next small win was hiring a career coach, a decision that changed everything. This incredible person gave me the tools, guidance, and encouragement I needed to chart a new path. She helped me identify my values, discover what I truly wanted, and gather the courage to take the next step.

Fast forward to today, and I am in the greatest job with the greatest people I’ve ever known. The journey here wasn’t a sudden transformation but a series of small, deliberate wins. Each one—earning my degree, changing my mindset, working with my career coach—was a step forward.

These small steps have taught me a powerful lesson: progress doesn’t have to come in big, dramatic leaps. By continuing to move forward, even in seemingly small ways, I found my way to a life that brings me joy and purpose. It’s a journey I’ll always be grateful for.

The human spirit is remarkably resilient. Even in the face of uncertainty, there is hope to be found in our capacity to adapt, to learn, and to rebuild. Light does not eliminate darkness; it coexists with it, offering a way forward. As John 1:5 reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

As we navigate 2025 and beyond, let us hold onto the belief that hope is not passive. It is an active choice to believe in the possibility of a better world, to keep moving forward, and to shine our own light—however small it may seem—for others to see.

The challenges of our time are real, but so is our capacity to endure and to create change. When the darkness feels overwhelming, remember that even the smallest light can illuminate the way. Let’s walk into this year with courage, faith, and the determination to find—and be—the light in the world.