It seems my blog is turning into my thoughts on everything else but perfume but I can't help it at the moment.
Spurred by reading for my thesis, news from the world and just some thoughts of my own (which do tend toward depressing these days), I can't help but wonder where are we as a world headed?
It hit me 5 minutes ago that my life dependant on resources outside of me was in a downward spiral and as optimistic and positive as I am, I must confess that at this point, I don't see the trend either stopping or reversing.
Quite the contrary, it seems to be accelerating toward the deep end.
So, that is why I asked what is happening? But more to the point, why are people so mean and selfish as to have brought this upon the world at large, and more specifically, my own country?
Croatia is the slowest European country to start coming out of the recession, meaning, we still haven't begun to climb out of it, and talking to everyone here (who still has work), it doesn't seem it will happen any time soon.
I won't go into details why that is so, but it has a lot to do with the mean, selfish, hypocritical and just plain bad people.
Basically, if I am starting to think it can only get worse, and I have a good job and live relatively protected from the worst of this recession, how do other people fare?
And not just here but all around the world?
And as I'm being honest here, I really wish I wouldn't worry about things like this. It's hard for me these days to feel truly happy and satisfied with the world I live in, this is only making me feel worse.
And the bottom line is, is there anything I can do about it? On a larger scale than being part of an ignored demonstration...?
Every time when similar thoughts come to my mind (or when I hear those from my vSO or close friends) I ask (myself or them): and when was it different? When was it better on a large scale, for the world? I don't think it ever was. We're much better informed now and are much more mobile but looking back on the history of different countries (how we know that history now, of course) I do not see a single really happy generation. Every generation in almost any country had either a war, a revolution, a famine, a pandemia, a depression or all of the above in different combinations.
ReplyDeleteIn my mind, people aren't much different today en masse than they used to be, let's say, a hundred years ago. Or a thousand. If anything, they are better - better educated, better informed, more social. And, most likely, thinking people in any country in any generation thought the same thoughts: where does the World go? My answer is: nowhere. There is no destination, just a process of moving.
All I can personally do - is to try to increase the amount of Good in the world. Even on a small scale. Help a neighbor, be kind to a co-worker, do something nice to your significant other or a relative. Take care of your health, don't waste more resources than you need and, if you choose to have kids, raise them to share your views and values. And leave revolutions to somebody else.
(I'm not sure if you wated such a long response :) )
I think being you, is what you can do. Stay being someone who cares and tries to be friendly, kind and helpful. Focus on the like-minded, though it can be hard. And then waft a cloud of your most invincible perfume around yourself everyday, until the sky clears. (and think of Paris)
ReplyDeleteYes, and everything Undina said about good in the world, very nicely put :-)
ReplyDeleteStrength to you, from me.
ReplyDeleteI love Undina's answer, it is simply true.
ReplyDeleteAnd being the person that you are, brings a lot of joy to many.
Hugs, my friend!
Undina, thank you for taking time to write your answer. I don't mind the length one bit, I love that you explained your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I do have to say you're not making me think more optimistic. :)
It's true what you say but I believe why it became so obvious to me is that at this point in my life, I feel the world around me has reached its lowest low since I became old enought to take notice. Not in my life so much, as around me.
I agree with you with changeing/helping the world by starting with yourself. I try my best to act as I'd wish people around me would and share goodness as much as I can (smile a lot too, from the heart).
Thank you Asali! It means a lot coming from you, and the fact that Paris is bringing me so much joy is also your work. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Olenska. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are truly a person whose strength I admire immensely.
Dear Olfactoria, yes, Undina really summed it up nicely. Not as positive as I'd like the world to be, but honestly and objectively and therefore, even more easy to come to terms with.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the support! :)
Ines, this made me happy when I read it on my phone yesterday, not because I want you to feel this way, but because I admire you for really thinking about these things are sharing them with us. I completely agree with Undina's pragmatic response, and I also hope that you do find things are looking more hopeful soon. Someone once told me that when we see people struggling and suffering and we can't help, we are at least doing something by recognizing their struggle, and "joining with them" for that one moment and really empathizing with their difficulty. If that is true (and I hope it is), then you are doing something for the people who are struggling in your country.
ReplyDeleteI think it's lovely that you are such a sensitive person and have so much empathy for others. I'm worried though because it's so easy for negative thoughts to snowball and I don't want you to go down that road. Try to distract yourself.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, when you're feeling helpless it is a good idea to help others as Undina is suggesting. I have volunteered for charity in the past and it really helped me (probably more than them!). I would recommend it, although it sounds like you may have a lot on your plate at the moment.
So pleased you have Paris to look forward to.
anotherperfumeblog, you made me smile with your first sentence. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for sharing what someone obviously smart told you - it certainly resonates as reasonable to me (and empathy is something I wish more people had).
tara, you are correct when you say it's a bit worrisome and one should take care not to snowball into negativism.
ReplyDeleteLuckily, I am basically a very optimistic and positive person so my depressive moods don't last long (a good night's sleep always helps).
At the moment, you are right, my schedule is brimming with a lot of things, but I try and help in the little ways I can - we have many humanitary actions here that you can help just by calling a number and you give a little money. It's not much but it helps.
I do try and do my best, of course, there is always room for a little bit more, but you have to start somewhere. :)
I think we are feeling this around the world, hence all the occupy movements, people are even looking to create alternative economies that can run in parallel with the ones we already have because they don't include or work for so many people.
ReplyDeleteI think individuals like yourself support a sense a freedom by being open as you are about your thoughts on this and truthful as to your experience. More people like yourself telling their truth and understanding others experience is what will drive us to find solutions. There are enough resources and creativity and productivity to support everyone comfortably. We will get there because we want to. It will not be unopposed, and it will take time, but I feel more certain than ever before a different better way is possible. More people than ever before see it as something to strive for, something possible, even within reach, to participate in an economy that works for them. Who would have dreamed a couple of years ago that the Middle East would have an awakening? That spirit is spreading everywhere. It will not be easy though, that is clear.
Dear Lucy, thank you very much for taking the time to write your comment. :)
ReplyDeleteI see people thinking more in line of general well-being for everyone but it still feels like there is not enough of people like that.
Well, I'm not known for my patience so I'd be happier if the process was a bit quicker. :) Ok, a lot quicker.
But the fact that it started is already reason for optimism.
Although, I see it will be very difficult - people in power will struggle as hard as they can not to let their structures topple...