The nearer the latrine the tastier the food

This has been evident in the last few years, particularly in the last couple of years when the whole world suffered from the harsh and unignorable effects of COVID-19. In light of unproven scares about Deltacron and projections of increased infections in Europe and the US, assailed by feelings of pessimism, do you get the sense that 2022 is receiving a rather tepid welcome from most of us? Would you consider it too much of an incredulous stretch if I advised you that my buzz words for this year are love, wellness, hope and perseverance? I am however, acutely aware of the fact that these words seem to be facing fierce and intense rivalry from their more negative and forcefully potent siblings; passiveness, infirmity, despair and lassitude.

Of course, the latter words combine the depressing baggage and unfortunate heritage from the preceding year. I would be the first to agree that balance is essential. As much as we cannot underplay the gravity of the times we are living in, I would hazard that dwelling in prolonged negativity is not crafted into the resilient DNA of mankind.