Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's life  or the world at large...... Source

Hope keeps you happy and away from depression even when things around you are not really fine. It keeps you optimistic. It makes you live above the current situation with the exception that things are going to be okay. It alters your behavioural reaction to present circumstances. 

Is holding on to hope a good thing? 

Yes, it is. At least that is the reason those who bought Steem for $0.15 did not dump it when it got to $1. Lol! Giggles.

Being hopeful things are going to get better is a good way to live a positive lifestyle. Hope fuels our engines when everything else seems to be against us. Hope keeps us warm no matter how cold it is. Hope lights our paths in the darkest moments. 

Is holding on to hope always good? 

Mmmmm! Well, it is not always a good thing to do. 

At least all those who hoped Bitconnect would get to $1,000 would be giving themselves a dirty slap why they didn't sell when it got to its all-time high. Lol! 

In life's journey, it is very common to find bumps and roadblocks on the way. Yes, persistence pays most times, however, it is very important to know when it is prudent to give up on hope. 

Yes, giving up on hope won't make you a failure, rather it will save you from further destruction. When you are constantly encountering setbacks in a particular thing, it is most prudent not to shy away from those things, but to sit down and make constructive calculations. Yes, giving up on a particular career, relationship or business line might be the best thing to do at a certain moment. 

People remain in sinking a boat and get drowned with it just because they refused to give up on hope. Some endure and probably die in an abusive relationship because they were hopeful things will get better someday. 

Hope makes some men comfortably remain a pretty girl's "food dude" (she calls you only when she is hungry or in need) and makes some girls happily accept the status of being a man's "sex toy" (the only time he can be with you is when he wants to have sex).

To be happy and successful in life, we must learn to maintain a balance. Moderation is required in all we do. Be hopeful, but also be open to change. Do not give up on hope too easily, however, when it is clear the ship cannot be rescued, find your exit as quickly as you can.  Sometimes, don't even wait for it to be very clear, because the exit may not contain all those wanting to leave. 

Over to you, how has holding on to hope helped you or cost you a thing? Please leave your feedback in comments below. 

@elyaque made this beautiful badge for me.