Respair – The Oxford English Dictionary has one reference to it, from 1525. It is defined as fresh hope; a recovery from despair.
Credit to my cousin Carol for bringing this word to my attention. It could be the word of the year going forward into 2022. We have had to cope with many changes to all levels of our society including loss of health and income in the last two years. It would be naïve to think despair wasn’t if not knocking at the door at the very least lurking on the front step.
I recently reread the Desiderata, the poem made popular in the 70’s and 80’s but written in the 20’s. It still resonates with me, the old pseudo hippie. “With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy”.
Pablum? Maybe, but every once and a while don’t you just want to turn off the noise and focus on what is good?
My wish for 2022 , Respair ….