Fighting to Thrive

It’s not fatalistic to take a look around at the world and say we’ve got some serious problems; it’s the truth. And the most important obstacle we face is to recognize that and keep fighting. 

Our species is not healthy, our planet isn’t healthy, and our collective will seems to be dissipating. But we have the power to change it all, and we will. 

Humanity has something unique and beautiful to offer the universe. When we remember that, the future fades from focus…and is replaced by an embrace of the present—we can do this. 

To Celebrate

We may celebrate too many things too much in modern society, but it’s important to celebrate. Life is amazing, and part of its magic is to embrace, enjoy, and honor what this all is. 

Commemorating the union between two individuals is one of my favorite forms of celebration. At a wedding, everything outside the here and now is discarded; people acquiesce to the beauty of the moment.

May we continue evolving in our celebrations of life as a society, and may we recognize the things worth celebrating. They are often the most simple and most beautiful. 

Considering Growth

Our system’s core tenet is growth, which diametrically opposes sustainability. It’s no wonder our economics are uncompromising, our politics inconsiderate. 

Of course entropy remains inescapable, but perhaps we can adjust our approach. We can at least strive to better balance longevity and openness, and reward creativity and exploration. 

Growth isn’t inherently bad, but it’s only one element in the equation. Do we want it to be our generation’s legacy?

Together Support

I’ve noticed that my tribe experiences the worst of me, and I aim to change that. But at the same time, their support elevates my perspective. 

We generally expose ourselves the most to those we care about the most. If we recognize that and acknowledge its reverse, it can allow us to provide the same support. 

It comes back to the basic bottom line: we are social creatures that thrive together. And “together” means all of us. 

Good Things Coming

There are good things happening in the world all the time. Today I got to be privy to just another one of them. 

Growing up is developing your tribe even further, at least in the modern world. We are the company we keep, and in today’s age, we mostly get to choose our company. 

There is hope on the horizon, we just have to look toward it. We never know what’s coming, and that’s one of the many things that makes life worth living. 

Considering Time

I was viewing a library page online that used the term “60 days.” It surprised me when the date shown read November 27, 2021. 

November doesn’t seem so far away, but 60 days feels like a new person will exist where I am now. It makes me ponder the nature of a “week,” how we internalize its importance as a society. 

Our perception of time is merely…that. Our time is what we make of it. 

The Power of the Internet

The internet has changed the world, and should be treated as a public utility. It enables new functionality in every home, much of which has been necessary during the pandemic. 

While we maybe need to take a break from our phones more often, their power with the internet is undeniable. This second layer of the internet creates new ways to interact and engage in commerce.

Much like automobiles and airplanes in how they changed transportation, the internet is changing what’s possible for the average person. If we protect and encourage these possibilities, we’ll inhabit a more connected, and more equal, world. 

Football Season?

I’ve watched more football in the past 2 weeks than in the previous 3 years. It‘a an American tradition right?

There’s certainly effervescence in the stadium, amongst thousands of souls. It’s an interesting sociological phenomenon, to say the least. 

It makes me wonder if we can rally for a more collective purpose. What do we choose to act on?

Passing Down Wisdom

There’s some kind of hallowed reverence around father-son time. Something primordial that people respect. 

In today’s world, it can be as simple as watching a football game—the American gladiator games. In the past it may have been temperance with other tribes. 

The passing down of knowledge is only the first layer. The true transference, for the past few hundred thousand years, is multidirectional wisdom. 

Energy Choices

Energy comes and goes, and part of life is catching it. I often feel there’s strategy in riding out the lows.

We keep marching onwards in time, and must choose the moments we fully embrace. Those decisions determine the path we ultimately walk. 

So where are we going to go, individually and as a society? There’s only so much energy, and we have to choose. 

Meaning and Suffering

I have much to learn about Buddhist philosophy, but I was thinking today about the notion that attachment leads to suffering. It occurred to me that perhaps the orientation around avoiding suffering shouldn’t be the goal.

Maybe meaning, and in a sense value, can be our orientation to the universe. When we ascribe meaning to our existence, and everything else we choose, of course there will be inevitable suffering. 

But is that worthy of despair, of pushing back on the reality we experience? Acceptance of some suffering enables us to embrace the meaning and sheer amazingness of this thing we call the universe; and I’m starting to realize—even if there’s inherent suffering, it is worthwhile. 

Time over Distance

Space and distance are relative: a drive up to the city can seem short or far, depending on one’s mood and perspective. Same reason why the way back always feels faster. 

What I’ve come to realize is it feels better with your tribe, no matter the distance. Making the effort to spend time with them pays dividends in the future.

In the modern world we don’t always live close to our families, but we can also conquer distance. It’s our choice, how to spend the time given to us. 

Defeating Despair

There is always much to look forward to. If we remember that, we can conquer whatever the day may bring. 

Another strategy is to consider the big picture. Is life really so bad, compared to what others have experienced, compared to the large problems before our species?

No, we can pull ourselves up, put up, and contribute to a better world. Digging in and pushing back against despair is the way to fight it. 

Back to the World

We can change the world, while still maintaining balance in our own individual lives. Martyrdom isn’t necessary to make a difference on this planet. 

Some do it by turning their calling into their career, dedicating hours of effort every week. Others offer their passions outside of work, adding value through hobbies. 

There is no wrong answer, as long as we each do something, no matter how small or often. We enjoy luxurious lives compared to those who lives before—it’s only just to give back what we can to the world. 

Let’s Play Ball

There’s something uniquely American about the first pitch of a baseball game. It’s the start of an untimed contest, in which anything can happen; a wild pitch or a home run. 

Enjoying a game with my grandparents today, I cannot think of a more representative act of our time. Relatively speaking, we live in a world of luxury. 

What a fantastical universe, in which amongst the billions of galaxies, stars, and celestial bodies, a red-stripped white ball exists on a baseball diamond. What else can we do but play ball. 

Weekend Time

Weekends in modern times are for family time, am I right? Which makes me think about our societal structure—what are our priorities?

I ordinarily argue for contribution to the world, that striving for betterment for all is a motivation to embrace. But if that isn’t grounded in a strong sense of community, where does that energy go?

It’s necessary for us to examine such a dynamic in how we live. Do we do what matters, and do we spend time with the people that matter most?

Modern News Dilemma

Keeping abreast of the latest news and politics proves difficult with all the online noise. A genuine source, without bent or agenda, can be hard to find. 

In today’s world the best strategy appears to be following trustworthy journalists, regardless of platform. When you find someone whose work you trust, you can lean on their information and expertise. 

More and more, these sources are not found on major networks or newspapers, but on their own independent platforms. It’s a brave new world when it comes to staying informed, and deciphering that information to better the world. 

The Education Topic

When the conversation turns to education, I always have strong feelings. How is it that when you talk to the average person, they always agree education should be changed?

Our teachers are the most important people in the world, because they most influence the course of our species. We can use the word “our” because it collectively affects everyone. 

In a complex world, one of those most impactful solutions is incredibly simple: we must focus more on education. The more we know, the more we can change the world. 

Responsibility of Joy

I've been told 'welcome to being an adult' for much of my adult life. Bills and responsibility are indeed a part of self reliance, but does maturity necessarily mean the same thing?

Rainbows and tigers and chocolate and puddles exist in this world--we should enjoy them! Buttoned up demeanor has no place in such a vivid reality.

Our time and place in this universe is so magnificent, we can not only revel in its beauty but also work to improve it, and that's where responsibility derives. The real bill is what's due upon departure: how much value we impart on all this is.

Story Power

Humans tell stories; it’s how we are wired to experience reality and a key mechanism of our sociability. When we feel hope or despair, it’s not necessarily because our reality has changed—we feel these emotions when we believe a narrative.

Which affords us incredible power, as we possess the ability to rise above the occasion. Our biology offers a way to achieve the improbable, when our minds believe the possible.

We can activate this potential even in the darkest times, and that’s not where we are. We can consider, we can empathize, we can thrive, and we can change the world.