For this week's #weekendengagement topic, I thought I'd go with option three. The question was, more or less, "What advice would I give someone from something I learned in 2021?" I thought about that question for a bit and realized I might have something of interest that I'd love to share.
With 2021 being a proper "sh@t show" for me, I had quite a year. Being on the wrong side of the political spectrum at my old job was a doozy for me, and honestly, it seriously messed my mindset up. I felt erratic; I was trying to do whatever it took that could potentially get me out of my old workplace. I was trying to write a book on Gnosticism, playing daily fantasy sports, attempting to trade cryptocurrencies, drinking too much beer...all of this while dealing with COVID issues, family duties, and nonsensical work responsibilities. It was horrendous; in the back of my mind, I thought all of that extra noise was eventually going to make me happy.
As some of you might know, I was able to get a new job; things were indeed better for a month or two. Then I started to slip back down the negativity rabbit hole, and it dawned on me that something needed to change in my life. I needed to change something. So, what was that change?
It was a return to my core; a return to the essence that is me. With the insanity of the world around us, I decided to refocus on what I truly love. I eliminated a lot of noise in my life. I quit trading, I quit playing DFS games, I cut back on purchases, I cut back on happy hours...I cut back on quite a bit in the realization that stuff like that isn't who I am.
My core is being outside and enjoying it. It's going for hikes, going for walks, enjoying the night sky, taking photos of wildlife and wildflowers...it's all that stuff that I truly love. In a sense, I think it's an extension of who I am...it's an extension of my core.
With all that said, that would be my advice for those who feel like life and the world are too much to handle. Find your "core" and embrace it. Enjoy it, cherish it, and take care of it. Even spoil it, if you can...I, for example, finally upgraded to a proper camera. The goal is to get better wildlife, nature, and even astrophotography photos. I know I am going to love it.
So that would be my (humble) advice for those who feel like the world and life are out of control. The world and life will always be out of control; the least we can do is find our place and embrace it. It will make 2022 a better place for all of us.