Despair is a very distinct emotion, and a diplomatic one too. Unlike some other feelings it doesn’t confine itself to those who deserve it. Love and happiness seem to visit only those who merit them – despair, on the other hand, can descend on anyone without cause or warning.
Which does seem a little unjust, but at least it’s even-handed.
So it’s a common enough emotion – but why? Short of bereavement or serious financial disaster, what reasons do people have to despair? It’s a common emotion and a highly abused one. People can despair over the simplest of things, which seems a shocking waste of time. There are few problems that can’t be overcome with a little work, and despair can be eradicated simply by looking at the positive side of things. I was sent a, for want of a better word, poem the other day and it really did make me think. I shan’t copy it out word for here, as it’s a little long, but these snippets will convey the general feel of it:
“I am thankful……For the taxes that I pay, because it means I have a job. …For the clothes that fit a little bit snug, because it means I have enough to eat. …For the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because this means I have a home. …For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.…For weariness and an aching back at the end of the day, because it means I have been able to work hard.”
The next time you’re tearing your hair out because things have gone wrong, stop and look for the silver lining – you’ll find it’s closer than you think.
In the words of Eric Idle: always look on the bright side of life…
19/09/2004 ©
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