The rollercoaster of the past few years has left even the most optimistic among us struggling to feel hopeful from time to time. Though it seems that crises come one after another these days and the future appears uncertain, if you look carefully, you’ll find a number of reasons, big and small, to have hope. People Are Still Smiling One of my favorite pastimes is taking a walk on one of the many local boardwalks near my coastal town. There’s nothing like ocean air to lift your spirits and give you perspective. What also gives me perspective along those walks is the parade of friendly and smiling people I pass as I stroll up and down. “Good morning,” they say over and over or, “There was a pod of dolphins just a ways back. Take a look,” or “Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Almost all of them greet you with a …