Of Longings and Despair

Source: Wix

Life, as we know it, comes full circle — a blend of happy and sad moments. We also face quiet yearnings and longings as we tread the path. Most of the time, we ignore them, but real strength lies in accepting and rising above them. We must turn pain into purpose.

Longing is a tug at your heart — yearning for something that might never happen or something that is beyond your grasp. It can be a place, a thing, a love, or even a sense of belonging. It is proof that you exist, that you care, and that you believe in the possibility of something more than the mundane. It is not a weakness; it shows your capacity to love and dream.

Yet, when longing begins to dominate your thoughts, it can tip into something darker — despair. The feeling that clouds your mind, bringing a sense of hopelessness into your soul. Despair can make you believe that nothing will ever make you smile again, that everything is meaningless because your longing remains unfulfilled. But that is far from the truth.

The truth is, even if you feel that way in the moment, it is temporary — so accept your feelings. Talk about them with a trusted friend or a loved one who can listen without judgement. Don’t make your longing your sense of self in life. Give yourself time to heal. You don’t have to heal in a day.

Do you really think that longing is always negative? No. Think about the countless artists throughout history whose longing turned into something beautiful. The famous poet Emily Dickinson never ventured outside the safety and comfort of her home in Massachusetts, yet wrote exquisite poems filled with hope, nature, and yearning. She longed for her poetry to touch hearts around the world but faced rejection from publishers. Only a few of her works were published during her lifetime.

The rejection did not stop her from creating those beautiful poems that were recognized posthumously. Her sister published all her poems after her passing, inspiring countless people over generations — a testament to the truth that longing can give rise to brilliance. Similar inspiring stories can be found among many poets, artists, and other great figures, reminding us that longing can bring out the best in time.

But what can be done if longing pulls you into despair — that dreaded feeling that won’t allow you to grow or move?

• Mindfulness and prayer: Try being more present in your surroundings. Make meditation, prayer, and breathing exercises a daily habit. They can calm your mind, allowing you to pause and grow.

• Meaningful relationships: Connect with people who value and understand you. Keep close those who do not judge or walk away when things turn difficult.

• Gratitude: Make gratitude a daily practice. Be thankful for even the smallest things. Keep a gratitude journal or simply reflect on moments that made you smile.

• Doing things you enjoy: Take time for simple joys — a short walk in the garden, watering a plant, reading, journaling, or even singing your favourite song. Anything that brings a spark of happiness deserves a space in your day.

Every day is a chance to begin again. Believe in your strength to move forward. You’ve already come this far — and that in itself is proof of your resilience.