For what it’s worth, my context here is “the world at large” and not a specific incident or issue in my own life. I mean, other than the fact that the world is, well, you know, insane. Also, to be clear, I live in the US, so I don’t (currently) deal with roving bands of murderous thugs, massive resource shortages, or daily hunger, though I am aware that some of those issues do affect my fellow countrymen.
No – what I am referring to is more along the lines of “exactly how much longer do we have until the earth is no longer able to support us, physically” or “when is the next dust bowl”. I can’t tell you if the weather patterns we are seeing, or the wars and conflicts are truly getting worse, and creating a crumbling society, but it sure feels that way. So – then – how do you best deal with such a situation?
I face this daily. I want to spend more time drawing, or writing, or reading, or painting, but I’m faced with two major issues:
1. I simply do not have enough time in the day to do all the things i want to do and
2. I feel as if i simply do not have enough time on the earth in a stable state to do the things i want to do.
Or, putting point two in a different way, “Does it really matter?”
This idea of “does it really matter” applies to … well, anything really, when faced with loss, difficulty, or heavy, existential issues. It’s very easy (for me, anyway) to get stuck in the idea of “if the future is doomed, why should i bother?”
So – what should I do?
The rote, pat answer is “Just have hope! Believe that the future is going to be better!”
But i think there’s a better option than that!
The future of the planet or human society as a whole might be uncertain, but you shouldn’t let that paralyze you. Instead, use it to add urgency to your pursuits. Think of it as a challenge that adds gravity to your actions, rather than a weight that holds you back. Even – no especially in uncertain times, art, literature, and other creative pursuits have value, often serving as the chronicles of their era or as a respite for troubled minds.
Instead of asking “Does it really matter?” Ask “What if it does matter?” What if your writing, or music, or art, or work, or even your very existence touches someone in a meaningful way, or sparks conversations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise? What if focusing on the things you love gives you the energy to tackle bigger problems? By reframing the question, we open up the possibility for positive action, even when the future seems bleak and unforgiving.
“Having hope” might sound cliché, but it’s a bit more nuanced than blind optimism.
Hope can be a call to action.
If you’re concerned about the state of the world, or an upcoming event, or a relationship dynamic, let that motivate you to become more involved, whether it’s through activism, education, or simply being more conscientious in your daily life. Because, ultimately, taking time to recharge and refocus through your artistic, personal, and creative pursuits isn’t a detour or distraction from making a difference; it’s part of the journey of change and redemption.
