This semester, for a variety of reasons, hasn’t been the easiest for me. As I’ve dealt with these challenges through counseling and receiving support from friends, I’ve found solace from an unexpected source: Instagram hopecore posts. 

According to the Aesthetics Wiki (which I didn’t know existed until I began writing this review), hopecore “is an aesthetic and philosophy based on hope and humanity. It focuses on the human condition and the special everyday interactions with nature, other humans, and even inanimate objects.” The page adds, “Hopecore reminds us that life is beautiful and fragile.” 

These posts have flooded my Instagram page over the past few months, often bringing about small moments of reflection or peace in the midst of my endless scrolling. Whenever I stumble across one of these posts that strike a chord in me, I screenshot it to store away in my gallery. Now, as the end of the semester quickly approaches and the stress continues to build, now feels like the right time to share and rate some of these hopecore posts in an attempt to bring a little bit of peace in a chaotic time. 

“Life is too short to not love loudly and care deeply.” 5/5

As someone who feels all of my emotions deeply regardless of the situation, I try to live by this saying every day. It was validating to see this come across my feed. 

“There is nothing on earth that blooms all year long. Nature wasn’t created to do that, and neither were you.” 2/5

This one is cute, but I Googled it and there *are* things that bloom all year long. Rating docked for its inaccuracy. 

“Congratulations girlboss, you survived the day.” 5/5

The image paired with this quote is a small bunny with pink bow hopping. I love its simplicity and I feel valued by it. 

“I needed that lesson to grow.” 3.5/5

I feel like the word “need” is too strong here. While it’s important that we have takeaways and learn from the things we go through in life, there are many things I believe no human should ever have to experience. Something like “that lesson helped me to grow” may be better. 

“If life is a never ending loop of dirty dishes and laundry, then that means life is a never ending loop of home cooked meals and comfy clean clothes.” 5/5

I absolutely love this quote. It reminds me to appreciate the little things in life, even those that may seem insignificant or like an inconvenience. Oftentimes these things are a privilege to have. 

“I’m worthy no matter what my output.” 5/5

This quote falls closely in line with my thoughts and feelings expressed in my editorial last issue titled “We Must Be Gracious To Ourselves.” When you struggle, it’s important to be compassionate towards yourself. We all still deserve kindness and understanding even when we’re facing hardship. 

“Sometimes you don’t get what you want because you deserve better.” 4.5/5

This one can be hard to accept at times, but it’s true. Half a point gets docked for hitting too close to home. 

“The world is cruel so I choose not to be.” 4/5

Short, simple, and a good mindset to have. This one can often be difficult to follow, though, as the world can be so cruel at times that it feels like there’s no hope or point in trying to be positive. 

These were just some of the dozens of hopecore posts that have found me as I’ve scrolled through my Instagram feed. I hope at least one of these resonates with you in some way and that it brings you peace, makes you think, or makes you feel something deeply.

Let’s continue to push through these next few days and finish the semester strong.