Living Amongst Chaos
Finding meaning in day-to-day life, especially when confronted with the harsh realities of the current state of the world, can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Even with the constant barrage of news, opinions, and disturbing videos, it’s important to ground ourselves and our emotions.
Initially, when I was writing my upcoming book, it was this form of self-therapy to navigate my feelings of loss, grief, purpose in my vocation, and even the meaning of my life. Of validating the person I was amidst the idea of who I thought I should be. Big thoughts and even bigger feelings. It helped me so much. Yet, I, like so many others I know, are having these feelings now with the current conflict (one of many challenges around the world) and struggling to validate their lives and feelings, and finding meaning in life.
This is what I am trying to do, right now, to get grounded, and remind myself that whatever is happening in the world, I can still find meaning and acceptance in the everyday moments of life.
Focus on What You Can Control
While world events may be beyond our influence, we can find purpose in our own growth, relationships, or local community efforts. We can engage in activities that align with our values and passions. For me, that’s writing, that’s bringing a smile to the hearts and faces of my kids, wife, family, and friends. Finding time for playing sports or exercising.
Help Others
Even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect. Volunteering, mentoring, or simply being there for friends and family can bring a sense of meaning and contribute positively to the world. Without getting into specifics, I am trying to do one thing every day that evokes the sense of “paying it forward.”
Educate Yourself and Spread Awareness
Understanding the complexities of global conflicts can empower us to spread awareness, advocate for peaceful solutions, and support humanitarian efforts. Through all the noise out there, it might be difficult to find 100% balanced perspectives, but we can try to get close to that. Empathy is an exercise; I am trying my best to understand so many different perspectives. That doesn’t mean all of them are “right,” but we can understand why people hold the perspectives they hold.
Cultivate Gratitude and Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness and gratitude can help maintain a positive perspective. Acknowledge the good in your life and in the world, even when it’s difficult to see. Personally, I am going through many challenges, but that does not stop me from thanking the universe for my life, and where it has placed me physically, socioeconomically, and so on. We all have challenges every day, whether with our health, our finances, our relationships, or many other issues, but we are still alive and can live with everything that means. A very good friend of mine told me recently, “someone out there is praying for the life that you have.” My issues are valid, my feelings are valid, but that will not stop me from being grateful.
Pursue Creative Outlets
Creative expression, whether through art, writing, music, or another form, can be a way to process emotions, express hope, and communicate with others. As I said earlier, for me, that’s writing, sharing these blog posts, talking about my upcoming book (I can’t express how thankful I am for everyone that has pre-ordered so far.) Even if you aren’t artistic or a writer or artist in any sense, find that thing that you can build, however small or big. If I’m not writing, I like making woodworking projects.
Stay Connected
Try your best not to shut off the world and keep within yourself. Reach out to friends, family, go for coffee, go for a visit, go for a walk together. Discussing family in my upcoming book, it’s a tough subject for so many of us, but I know if you don’t even have family, we have chosen family members, the close friends. These connections can offer support, provide a sense of community, and remind you that you’re not alone.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the state of the world, if you’ve sought purpose in the everyday, or if you simply enjoy stories that uplift, challenge, and inspire, I believe “You’re Already Dead” will resonate with you. Your support also extends beyond just a book purchase; it’s a commitment to embracing and spreading a message of hope and resilience. Pre-order your copy today and join a community of readers who are passionate about living life to the fullest, starting with our own lives and communities.
Click here to pre-order and embark on a journey of living fully, even in uncertain times.
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