Having received messages of concern from my nearest and dearest over the past few days, I thought of writing this love letter of sorts. 

We are, yet again, navigating uncertain times. The unrelenting surge of information and disinformation only deepens our collective anxiety. 

Should we be concerned? Yes, most definitely.

We are witnessing events unfold halfway across the world in real time, layered with countless commentaries. We feel the pressure as the cost of fuel goes up, sending our transport system in disarray. We hear pundits and politicians give dire warnings, each pushing their own agenda.

Should we be worried? Perhaps. But worry can only take us so far.

Here’s something worth holding on to:

“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own.” – Epictetus

In these uncertain times, much lies beyond our control. But not everything.

We may have no influence over what happens in the Middle East, but we can manage how we use fuel and electricity in our own homes. We can plan our trips, walk when we can, and work from home. We can plant a garden and grow our own food. We can conserve energy and explore sustainable alternatives. 

We have no control over what self-aggrandizing politicians say, but we can manage our consumption of information. Algorithms are designed to feed us more of what we consume. Watching a couple of discussions on geopolitics may lead to posts on stockpiling for doomsday, freaking us the hell out. Frankly, we don’t need more of that. 

We are not as helpless as we are sometimes made to feel.

Let’s remember that we have lived through a number of global disruptions, each worse than the last. We witnessed the end of the Cold War. We were horrified by 9/11. We have seen conflicts rise and fall across regions. A global pandemic had us on lockdown just a few years ago, and now here we are, thinking we may have to do so again. 

We have agency.

Every experience shaped us into the person we are today. Hopefully, we’ve gained enough wisdom to allow us to think clearly, move mindfully, and live with intention.

So, stop scrolling. Step outside. Enjoy the sunset.

Hug your nearest and dearest.

Marvel at the dawning of a new day.

There is so much to be thankful for.