Some are wishers, and some are hopers.
Wishers are passive. They "wish upon a star." They wish that a genie or good fairy would miraculously appear and grant their heart's desire. Wishers cross their fingers or sit on their hands, and wait. Wishers hunker down and pray that a rescuer will come; that lightning — good luck — will strike.
Hope, by contrast, is an active force.
— R. Wayne Willis, Hope Notes