Reflection: Does Anything Ever REALLY Get Better?

My moods and feelings about the world definitely fluctuate.

I'm not exactly Bipolar, it's more a case of going out and exploring the possibilities of the world — and how we can work towards change for the better — and after a few days of going down the proverbial "rabbit holes" I decide to retreat back into my little private corner of existence because I find relatively little to feel hopeful about.

Gratitude vs. Hope

Don't get me wrong: I'm generally a fairly optimistic person, and I actively practice gratitude for the good things that do happen. But I invariably end back at feeling sad and sickened... because... people behaving badly.

As of late, I have been trying to kick some life into my general social media accounts, primarily with the intent of getting more active about publicizing my artwork. After all, I can't very well sit around and complain that "I never sell anything" if I'm not being active and proactive in letting people know that I have artwork for sale...

Right?

Of course right...

But I'm also in some stage of simplifying my world; closing down some of the numerous "interests and projects" I have had my finger in, but which ultimately end up consuming time I should be spending on the main events of my world.

As a wise person once remarked to me, many moons ago: "You can't expect to build a successful 'Plan A' if you're spending all your time and energy on making sure 'Plan B' and 'Plan C' are strong and secure."

And so, I'm venturing forth, again.

Upon reflection, I wouldn't be doing so if it weren't for the need to "make a living."

But... "people behaving badly."

There's a disturbing and distressing trend of selfishness and many who seem possessed by this need to exert their power and influence over others. Scammers, cheaters, manipulators, politicians, religious leaders... even so-called "whales" on social media platforms from twitter — sorry, "X" — and Reddit to even our small "local" ponds like Hive and even Steemit.

I must control what YOU say and do!

Why? And why the focus on tearing mine down rather than proving the superior value of yours?

Sometimes it all just breaks my heart.

I remember an only half-way funny meme from a few years back: "I'd like to tender my resignation from the human race!"

Overly dramatic, perhaps. But maybe you get my drift.

Whatever happened to kindness and compassion, and just being decent? We have a growing homeless population here in our town, and it alarms me how people I previously thought well of describe our homeless as a problematic "them;" like 3rd class subhuman individuals.

Have you forgotten that most of "them" were "us," at some point?

Be kind to each other, folks! It doesn't cost extra!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great remainder of your week!

How about you? How do you feel about the world? Hopeful? Not so hopeful? Leave a comment if you feel so inclined — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!

(All text and images by the author, unless otherwise credited. This is ORIGINAL CONTENT, created expressly for this platform — Not posted elsewhere!)

Created at 2023.09.27 00:42 PDT
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