I think in those times of loss of hope there is an opportunity to look at our perspective in the situation. Our expectations of what a success or opportunity looks like can get jumbled over time. We just have to keep growing every day and stay aware of ourselves and the world around us.
I do believe it is possible to take what you have in front of you and make things happen with the right mindset. However we get caught up in our concept of what that is supposed to look like and we miss a not so obvious path to a place of true beauty.
I have learned a lot about life from some of the dumbest things. For instance, I used to collect rocks, not pretty rocks like someone might buy at the store, but rocks I would find at the river or hiking. I was interested in their personal character. They all had and resonated a vibe so to speak. Anyway, countless times a rock would catch my eye, and either on the way to that rock or underneath that rock I would find a rock that was so much more intriguing that the rock I originally set out for seemed uninteresting in comparison. I think life is much the same way while some goal might lead you in a direction, if you are aware and open minded you might find out what you went looking for was small fries compared to another opportunity found "accidentally".
I think as long as our goal is to improve ourselves rather than reach a destination we can be prepared for whatever opportunities arise. We can't see the future, but if we try to make ourselves better everday we are likely to be prepared for what it has to offer.
I find this "loss of hope" state of mind to generally be an indicator that my framework for understanding the situation is faulty or needs to be refreshed.
I enjoyed your article and I am now following you. I hope you succeed in all your endeavors. :)