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Despair
The feeling of despair
and hopelessness may seem very appropriate and
particular to your situation, but you should know
that others have been there and have suffered
similar or worse experiences. They have survived to
enjoy life and so will you.
"We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself
the means of inspiration and survival." - Winston
Churchill
All things pass, have they not always before? To
counteract the feeling of hopelessness, list those
assets and pleasures which you have but seem to be
ignoring. Perhaps some of these words will turn your
thoughts: family, friends, health, job, home,
nature, pets, garden, music, faith, books. Start
thinking about the nice things in your life, things
you value and make you happy. Leave the negatives
behind.
"Who will tell whether one happy moment of love or
the joy of breathing or walking on a bright morning
and smelling the fresh air, is not worth all the
suffering and effort which life implies." - Erich
Fromm
The feeling of guilt often results in despair and
depression. We should think about the wrong we have
done, but just long enough to realize the full
extent of what we did. If there is something that
can be done about it, consider doing it. The only
other thing that we can do is to assure ourselves
that we will avoid that mistake in the future.
Beyond this, stewing over it and rehashing the event
endlessly, will do no good. It is a complete waste
of time and makes us feel sick with worry.
Avoid experiences that result in guilt by not
judging, blaming, or bringing down other people. Try
to find their good points, and try to avoid anger.
Be nice to yourself too, accept that you make
mistakes, and don't hold a grudge.
One of the best ways to recover from despair, guilt,
or sorrow, is to keep busy.
"When all else is lost the future still remains." -
Christian Bovee (1820-1904)
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