The HOPE list #9

Bite-sized hopelets to warm your soul. With tales of passion and compassion.

September is my favourite month. The weather is often lovelier than I expect, as it was this year. I should have recalibrated my expectations by now, but I’m surprised and delighted year after year, usually after being disappointed by August.

September is a month of new beginnings – a new season, a new school year, and many new hopes. Here are a few that brought me joy.

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1.      Unlikely success stories by Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu’s extraordinary hop from schoolgirl to US Open tennis champion lightened many of our hearts this month. That the final was on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks added to the gravitas and sense of renewal. It was a success that should not have been possible. But it happened. Because anything is possible.

There are many things to celebrate about Emma Raducanu. Her game, spirit, athleticism, and attitude are fabulous. She is also a true global citizen, fluent in English, Romanian and Mandarin. She represents a future I have longed for and now feels a bit closer.

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2.      #MonthofHope by Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust

Greater Manchester, which includes over 2 million people, are running a Month of Hope between Sept 10th (World Suicide Prevention Day) and October 10th (World Mental Health Day). Residents are being encouraged to help spread hope across the region and dozens of inspiring, heart-warming events have taken place, like the Words of Hope online poetry event.

It is a wonderful idea that other regions should adopt.

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3.      Passion by Pablo Neruda

I have not read much of late, I’ve not found the time. Even though I know that I need to find the time, to stay whole. When this happens, I turn to poetry, to give brief succour to my soul.

In September I rediscovered Pablo Neruda. I say rediscovered not because I had lost him, but because every time I read his poetry it is as electrifying as the first time. No one writes passion better. Helpfully for my HOPE list, he wrote a poem called The Eighth of September, which I share here.

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4.      Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz

I love this album title (of course!) and I am dazzled by the layers of musical and lyrical ambition in Little Simz’s fourth album. I can’t remember when I first heard her, but I do remember my total captivation. She is a unique, enthralling amalgam of swagger and sensitivity.

Earlier this year she said “Honestly, respectfully, I think I’m very, very talented”. I agree and love that she said it!

Here is the heart-stopping title track. Wow.

Yours hopefully,

Nazneen xxx

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Yours Hopefully is an experiment in living hopefully. With music and musings, from a singer-songwriter-scientist.