How do you see the future? Do you try to avoid thinking about it at all?
Yesterday, I wrote Rethinking the Hero’s Journey, based on the article, “White men’s roles in anti-racism work: Rethinking the Hero’s Journey,” on the Healing Minnesota Stories blog site. Because it resonated with what I’ve learned about working for peace and justice. Which is the need to find your own power, which is what gives you joy. That provides you with the positive attitude, fortitude, and the skill you can bring to the difficult work of fighting for justice.
This morning, I found the article Upskilling for an Uncertain Future that expands on those ideas. The subtitle is A middle-aged perspective on sparking joy in darkness.
The trifecta of depression, anxiety, and untethered rage are unbearable at times. Even with HRT, micro-dosing, meditation, sleeping pills, and a relatively healthy, active lifestyle, most days are permeated with a deep sense of dread, fear, rage, and sadness. On the plus side, the odd day when my old self surfaces for a day or two feels exquisite.
I wanted to ask my doctor if there were any adjustments to my HRT that might improve my mood.
Exasperated, she said: “Everyone is depressed. It’s not just you. It’s everywhere and everyone. It is the state of the world.”
In other words, suck it up.
Then the closer: “Do you need tranquilizers?”
Sparking joy in darkness
Tracy Collins
If I’m honest, there is a darker motivation…
Cooking in and of itself is proving to be a reprieve from my current, sad state of despair. But underneath the self-soothing, there is a deeper purpose.
I don’t talk about it much, but when I do, there are quiet nods of agreement. Friends share their darkest fears as well as their personal preparations for the unthinkable. With the chaos of the world, it is hard not to think about what might happen in the coming decade. The floods, water shortages, famine, and fires are already here.
…
The way I figure is that if I can master making delicious food, then I’ll be indispensable in the event of a collapse. No one will want to turf the lady who makes the best scones on the planet, the legendary stew, or life-altering casserole. They’ll keep me around so long as I keep everyone fed and happy.
Upskilling for an Uncertain Future. A middle-aged perspective on sparking joy in darkness by Tracy Collins, medium.com, 12/12/2023
For the sake of your own mental health and what you can offer to your community in the uncertain future, find your own power. Even better, put your life-long learning skills to work to learn additional skills and power.
Quakers and Mutual Aid 