The world is riddled with fear and uncertainty; one just needs to put on the never-ending news cycle to see it, but we can be less afraid by standing together, and it is simpler than you think!
South Africa (31 May 2022) – Being a Good Things Guy writer for over five years now, my outlook on life is abnormally positive, but there are many days when the world feels heavy and dark too. Those are the days when good news is harder to come by, and mainstream media is littered with gutwrenching headlines. In those moments, I see just how afraid we all are, how isolated the bad makes us feel and how quickly anger can overtake our minds.
Everyone is afraid these days, whether they say it out loud or show it in their actions.
Not only because there is a war raging, a pandemic that feels like it may never end, the dangerous flu that is taking us all by surprise, a rise in living costs that is making it hard to cope financially or a never-ending cycle of bad things happening to good people close to our hearts.
Everyone is afraid because the world is changing so fast; we have no way of keeping up and staying on top of it.
I feel like that; I am so worried about everyone I love, all the while trying to keep hold of my own sanity and heart. And in all my worry, I forget that there are ways to be less afraid. Last night, while spending my ten-millionth brainwave of the day trying to fix the world, I remembered it all starts at home, with the people we love.
This morning I messaged all my loved ones to check on them, make sure they were okay and to get them back on my radar. Sometimes when we become consumed by worry, we lose track of where everyone else is at. Self-care often dictates that one takes time to check out and switch off, but it can also be good to check in and engage with your nearest and dearest.
Sometimes just speaking to loved ones about their concerns alleviates your own. You realise you are not alone in your worry, and the shared experience is calming.
There is a reason people say sharing is caring; when we share, things get better. Aside from reaching out to check on everyone, there are other ways to be less afraid during times of struggle.
Family and friends are so important. Commit to spending more time together, whether that be a weekly family meal, a monthly video chat or just a quick phone call. Covid taught us all to be afraid of spending time together, but if done responsibly, you can fill your mental health cup in one wholesome day. Commit to leaving the politics, worry and struggles at the door, focusing wholely on each other, on good memories and on laughter. These small things all work towards making us less afraid.
Directly related to the global state and the local state of South Africa, we can all share ways to cut costs. Whether that be a recipe for a good soup that provides many meals at a very low cost or a life hack that can bring down the cost of electricity, water or petrol, take time to share these small things with loved ones.
Rising costs are a global issue at the moment, so there isn’t one person not feeling the pinch. Our family WhatsApp group is constantly buzzing when excellent deals on food are spotted at the shops. An alert is sent out, and those who are keen to take advantage of the deal, do so. So if you see a special price that you know will help a few people out, pass the information along.
You won’t feel as afraid about the state of the world or your life if you have someone to stand alongside you. Connecting with others is step one.
I hope these simple things help you and your loved ones feel less afraid too! Please share any tips you may have for making life a little easier. And above all else, spread goodness and kindness to those around you. Together, we can get through anything!
by 