At Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe’s book launch for I Hope So at The Old Mill, Toronto, on Tuesday night, I noticed something that feels rare these days:

Shared hope.

The event was called “A Spot of Tea, A Dash of Hope.”

The room wasn’t just full of women.

It was full of energy, purpose, and community.

In a world that feels uncertain in so many ways, hope can seem fragile, especially during periods of global instability, personal illness, loss, breakups, or sudden change.

We were each invited to say, one by one, out loud, what we hope for.

So, when it was my turn to share what I hope for, I said:

“I hope women take control of their health first. I hope they give themselves permission to play again.”

And that’s when it struck me.

The very thing that connected us in that room is the same thing that jump-starts behaviour change:

When our actions align with who we believe we are becoming.

That’s what hope does.

Hope shifts the brain from threat to possibility.
Hope widens our thinking.
Hope creates forward motion.

And here’s what I know to be true.

The habit of play is how we access hope.

When exercise feels playful – music, walking with a friend, dancing in the kitchen, sunlight on your face – something powerful happens:

• Uncertainty softens.
• Anxiety eases.
• Stress hormones find a healthy outlet.
• We remember we are capable.

Play isn’t frivolous.

It’s foundational.

It’s often the first crack in the door where hope walks in.

That room at the Old Mill reminded me of something important.

Hope grows when we name it.
Hope strengthens when we act on it.
And once hope is present, change becomes possible.

Now, let me ask you.

What are you hoping for right now?
More energy?
More strength?
More calm?
More confidence?

Name it and let me hope with you.

Then take one small, playful action this week that supports it.

Because aging with agency isn’t about perfection.

It’s about choosing, again and again, to move toward the future you still believe in.

Play on,

Your friend and coach,
Janet

P.S. If you are looking for more energy, purpose and community, here are 3 ways I can help you play for life: