Respair:
- noun, “the return of hope after a period of despair”
- verb, “to have hope again”
“The Great”. This heavy-weight designator has been used in alliance with saints, a few royalty, a wall, a military system, and a small list of events. COVID was denied this prestige as the Spanish Flu had already taken “The Great Pandemic” moniker. Our current pandemic may entice this generation to contest or re-apply for this title.
In reviewing the list of “The Great(s)” – there seems to be a lack of positive associations. Even The Age of Enlightenment was denied the use of “Great”. I believe it is time to elevate this word-set into inspirational service. Let’s elevate this next period in history to become “The Great Respair”. The Great Resignation seems wimpy in light of The Great Respair. If a virus and its interruptions to life can be “great” — certainly an intentional society-changing human-initiated movement meets the criteria.
So, what does The Great Respair look like? The return of hope is needed for all humans to live and thrive. This theme has been echoed by “The Great” thought leaders in every culture, generation, and industry. The need for returned hope is being echoed through every current civilization.
“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.” – Nelson Mandela
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein
“We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
“A dream is the bearer of a new possibility, the enlarged horizon, the great hope.” – Howard Truman
For us to have hope again:
Who will it take?
- Leaders competent in effectiveness, strength, kindness, and compassion
- Leaders throughout every generation filled with visions of a better future
- Leaders, labeled or self-labeled, finding common ground and common cause
- Leaders, bold and authentic, facilitating critical conversations
What will it take?
- Creative and powerful visions for humanity’s flourishing future state
- Life-generating practical intentions for the planet and its inhabitants
- Agile and life-giving innovation and invention
- Identification and affirmation of past, present, and future achievements
When and where will this begin?
Ah yes… the best part is that it is NOW! Because you can experience and identify it, it’s already here– in your organization, community, anywhere you inhabit. If this makes you hesitant in any way, talking with a coach can help you build your skills so you can move forward and lead your team with confidence. Hope is ready for discovery, ready for action, ready for us – let’s do this!
We ARE The Great Respair!