Despair

Despair is the emotion you don’t wish on anyone, or at least you shouldn’t. To take away someone’s hope is “the unkindest cut of all.”
Sometimes it is the only thing left to take away from a person. That and personal pride, something I have always had way too much of. Despair is the emotion covered in today’s reading from my book Emotions: Not your Mama’s ABC’s! I begin with the preface for the letter “D” and follow it with the short story Mexican Vacation. Let me know…

There is always hope; there has to be. I guess that is why I love survival movies (no cannibalism or zombies please). The human will to survive is one of the most powerful forces on this planet.

It should be.

Not starting a new Crusades or anything, but NO HUMAN BEING has ever died and returned.

No one.

Ever.

So hell yes, cling to life with every fiber of your being because not only is it short, but it goes by way too fast. I wonder where on the Hope———–Quit Trying continuum I lie for my own life. I have no doubts that I am willing to give my life for those I love with no hesitation whatsoever, and I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, so I will not be going without a fight. Just the thought of being separated from Karen (even for a little while) will piss me off enough to make me dangerous (to myself and others).

You can trot out all of the trite sayings like “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” and “it ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings,” but the thing about those trite sayings is they are true and further emphasize the value of life and the premium you should place on living a long one.

When all is lost, it can be rediscovered. It can be found in the helping hands of the people who choose to volunteer to help others.

Volunteer.

No pay.

You can find it in the bloodshot eyes of the healthcare worker coming off a second straight 10-hour shift waiting for her late co-worker to arrive so she can just get some sleep. But she looks up to acknowledge a new person in need and manages a welcoming smile.

Money.

The way you live your one life is totally in your control. Just remember everything has an expiration date. There is an hourglass with depleting sand in the top chamber. Maximize the smiles and minimize the frowns. Feel free to do whatever you believe will make you happy but try and keep in mind where on the continuum you lie. And don’t be a mean asshole.

Did anyone ever have better advice than Spock from Star Trek?

“Live long and prosper.”

Money.

Stay well.