The future of the future

Maddening. Frustrating. Unfair. Wrong. Crazy. Cruel. Words being used lately by many. Of course, they’re talking about the state of world affairs and the evil of people.

With current shenanigans that have turned the world upside-down, for no good reason, it’s no wonder people are reeling, and feeling an immense sense of uncertainty and foreboding about the future – for themselves, their children, their grandchildren.

I heard someone say to a little boy – “You kids are going to save the world from collapse, aren’t you?”. We’re pressuring children even before they can talk; imagine when they reach school age. Certainly, for those over 50, the time horizon is much shorter than it is for the little ones.

I used to look at babies in wonder, how innocent they were, and what a bad world they had entered. That was when the world was a fairly decent, almost peaceful place that had order, goodwill, common sense, kinship and kindness. Now the world that kids will inherit is not only unstable – it’s scary, barbaric, mean, evil, volatile and hate-filled. 

How can we cope with feelings that threaten to disrupt and destroy our days? Here are some ways to limit fears and anxieties in stressful times:

Consider the positives: Though it feels like doom and gloom, there are always things, however small, that are good – friends, favourite foods, music, flowers.

Think short-term: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by long-term chaos and uncertainty. Live in the moment and focus on yourself and your loved ones.

Practice gratitude: Pause to appreciate the good people and things in your life, positive strides you’ve made, or great possibilities that await you. Each evening, record two positive things that happened that day.

Change what you can: Think of things that are in your power to change, then do it. Don’t dwell on things beyond your control.

Celebrate! Each month, list the things you are proud to have accomplished. Then treat yourself to something that you enjoy.

Exercise: Getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day is beneficial to your physical and mental health. It can distract you from the issues.

Decompress: Make time each evening to unwind and de-stress. Call friends, engage in a hobby, have a warm drink before bed, enjoy some entertaining TV, laugh with others.

Try alternate thinking: Find ways to reverse negative thoughts into positive ones. For example, “It’s so dull and rainy” to “Three weeks until spring!”. While it may still be dull and rainy, you can avoid a negative spiral with a better perspective.

Care for yourself: Know when to switch off the news, or when to avoid those who are “downers”. Those things can lead to anxiety.

We are resourceful. We can conquer fear of the future by turning it into something that works for us. The alternative is not a good one.

Love, be loved, and smile for no reason. It helps!

Email me: bernadette@gogettercoaching.com .