History records periodic economic upheavals, cultural clashes, societal unrest, wars, pandemics, and more. We have all experienced personal discomfort or tragedy to varying degrees. Life is unpredictable and sometimes downright brutal.
But what if things turn out mostly OK?
I don't mean to be a Pollyanna. Bad stuff can happen at a moment's notice. Wildfire season in the mountain west is always a gamble. Unemployment can hit out of nowhere. COVID or no, illness can set you back or kill you outright. Government agencies can destroy your life. However, fear of these threats can be a bigger danger, because fear can govern your life now. Plan for disaster tomorrow, but don't forget to thrive today.
Cultivate your hobbies and find enjoyment in the little things of life. Build relationships and connect with your family. Build a foundation for future generations. Sure, the world might end tomorrow, but it probably won't, so don't forget to balance your expectations. Prepping for survival is on one hand a practical response, but on the other hand, I have seen people use it as an unhealthy coping mechanism for other unresolved issues. Take a moment to assess your mental state, your thought processes, your motivations, and your relationships.
If you don't have a purpose now, take a break and find your meaning. Plant something. Visit church. reach out to others. Seek help for yourself. I'm just a random dude on the internet, so I don't know what you need, but I encourage you to find it for yourself. This might be the most important aspect of survival, whether the world ends tomorrow or not.
Life is short. To the best of my knowledge, we all get just one shot. What are you trying to survive for? Plan for the worst, but prepare for the best, and live today as if life is worth living.
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