Welcome to the second newsletter in Planning Your Future Self.

Last week we launched the series, Why Planning for Your Future Self Matters by explaining The Big Why!—why planning matters. You were asked a simple yet powerful question, 

👉 “What is one step I could take today that my future self would thank me for?” 

What was your answer?

If you did not participate in the activity, here's a chance to complete it, Why Planning for Your Future Self Matters. I encourage you to actively participate in these weekly prompts. Take notes, answer the questions, and use this series to help you think about your future. 

Starting this week forward, let's discuss the threats that get in our way of planning. 

Threat #1: Losing Hope in the Future

When Joan, age 74, joined the Aging Solo Peer Group, her initial plea was raw and honest: “I’ve lost hope. Most of my friends are gone, and the future feels too big and empty to face. I thought my days of growth were over.”  After losing close friends, she felt her world had shrunk. But then she signed up for a watercolor class. That single step opened a door: new faces, new laughter, and the quiet return of hope.

But something shifted when she attended several classes. She hadn’t painted since college, yet the simple act of walking into that room—with others laughing, chatting, and dipping brushes into color—lit a small spark.

Joan didn’t suddenly solve all her worries, but she rediscovered something crucial: hope isn’t about fixing everything at once. It’s about keeping one possibility alive, one small step at a time. 

Why This Matters

Research shows that hope is one of the strongest predictors of resilience. Without it, every challenge feels heavier; with it, possibilities reappear. Hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. And even the smallest spark can light the path forward.

When people believe tomorrow can hold something good, they’re more likely to recover from setbacks, stay socially engaged, and care for their health. Without hope, even small challenges can feel overwhelming.

For solo agers, protecting that spark of hope is not just comforting—it’s essential.

Simple Tips to Try

This week, experiment with one of these “hope habits”:

• Set a Tiny Hope Goal. Choose something so small it feels doable, like calling a friend or signing up for one class, or meeting a friend for coffee.

• Create a Spark List. Write down three things that lift your spirits—gardening, walking in the park, listening to music—and keep the list nearby.

• Share with Someone. Tell a trusted friend or group what you’re trying. Speaking your hopes out loud gives them more weight.

What small spark will you start with today?  Start capturing small possibilities you can build on. Your future self will thank you for keeping the flame alive.

Your turn! Get out your journal and start playing with a few ideas that inspire you!

Resource

A Hope Worksheet for you!

Thank you for reading! I'll see you next week!

Carol Marak, Solo Aging Expert