Finding Balance in a World of Uncertainty: A 20-Something's Reflections on Creating Change and Living Freely

Updated: Oct 2024

Does anyone else feel stuck between “the world is ending, stop giving a f*ck” and “we gotta make changes to save the world”? Or are we all just collectively thinking, “what in the actual f*ck is going on?”

I find myself struggling to carry on with my “normal life,” just acting as if the world isn’t in complete shambles.

This is especially true with respect to the atrocities in Palestine—now pushing into Lebanon—Congo, and Sudan. We really do not learn anything from history at all. History has proven time and time again that it repeats itself, sometimes tenfold. All I want to say is #FreePalestine, #FreeCongo, #FreeSudan, #FreeLebanon, and FUCK COLONIALISM.

It becomes so hard to think about any kind of future when it seems as if the world is coming to an end. The continuous negative impacts of colonialism and capitalism reveal themselves every day, yet nothing seems to change.

Thoughts About the Future

I feel as if I have a responsibility to create a better future for the next generations, but I cannot fathom even thinking beyond a few years from now. Obviously, things are constantly evolving, but at this rate, how can we even be sure that it is evolving into a better place? Not only are mass genocides occurring, but the climate crisis is also in disarray.

There is a whole population of Palestinian, Congolese, Sudanese, and Lebanese people who need our help—who deserve to be free. We’re supposed to learn from history, but history is currently repeating itself with no change. It feels like we’re really pushing, but what do we need to do in order for it to stop?

Not to sound morbid, but when so many things are plummeting, how can we even possibly think the future is bright? It’s not supposed to sound so dark, but I mean, how else is it supposed to sound?

Thoughts to Consider

The more media I consume, the more obvious it is that the newer generation has a better understanding of empathy and critical thinking. I know our algorithms are doing their job, but it seems more apparent that the newer generation advocates for a humanitarian approach.

When it comes to media consumption, we should continue to question what we come across and take the time to think before forming opinions, especially since media is far more present in our lives than it ever has been before. This is a big reason why critical thinking in schools is so important. But I digress. Everything exists on a spectrum, and we should continue to question what is presented.

There’s no doubt that media consumption is overwhelming. I think that while it’s important to educate oneself and stay up to date with current events, is there still room for our own self-care? This is where the inner conflict lies for me, at least.

By no means do I want to sound selfish, but it’s a genuine question. Why do I feel that it’s necessary to indulge in self-care? Why do I feel that it’s necessary to continue to think about a future? This is all beyond me—I, unfortunately, do not have any answers for you. I am privileged in the sense that I can look away from the atrocities and sleep well at night knowing that this isn’t happening to me, living in a country that is literally funding and being complicit in genocide.

Everyone always mentions the need for self-care, and while I definitely think it’s important, is it selfish to want it while others are literally suffering?

Conclusion

I didn’t want to end this on a morbid note, nor did I want to overwhelm anyone with the current state of the world. I don’t condemn anyone who is engaging in their well-deserved self-care because, let’s be honest, we all deserve self-care, and we all deserve to feel as if the world will be at peace.

With that, I just want to know your thoughts on trying to change the world and salvage it versus just letting it be and continuing to live your life as it is. Are our new critical thinking skills propelling us forward? Are we just thinking about the issues without trying to find any real solutions? It seems to be the direction we’re headed: understanding the issue but not having real, tangible solutions, which brings me back to my initial thought of “what in the actual f*ck is going on?”

xoxo,
kaels
too bad ain’t me<3