It is not the end of the world, it is the beginning of a new story

bykathrynluisa

105 followers

4 years ago

I took a few days off from my work here. It was necessary, especially after my grandmother visited. I was drained emotionally after her visit. The oh-so-wonderful depression I've had since I was a teenager was triggered. On top of that my days were booked solid with appointments.

So much driving. Even more time plastering a smile on my face and putting on my service face. You know the face, the one you wear for customers when you're at work. It's like another version of the poker face. However, instead of being intimidating, it's welcoming. There are days I hate putting on this face and the act that goes with it.

I'm obsessed with apocalyptic stories

There are days I may not socialize as much here on WA. I may not get as much of my work done. I have to remind myself it's OK to slow down, to not burn out.

Chance favors only the prepared mind.

Louis Pasteur

I enjoy watching and reading fantasy stories about the end of the world. "Isn't that depressing?" You may ask. It's not when you look at it the right way.

You see there is one common theme in all apocalyptic stories. There are survivors and the dead. Most survivors in these stories are alive because they're lucky. These are typically the ones who go on to become the big heroes of the stories. It wouldn't be as exciting if they were a survivalist who did everything right.

However, there is something in these characters, a desire, a drive, something. It's what allows them to survive beyond that initial stroke of luck.

What is it?

Is it because they're observant? Good at surrounding themselves with the right people? Capable of learning? Flexible in their behaviors?

It's all of these.

These same traits are apparent in those who are successful at all kinds of things. There is one trait I didn't mention. Curiosity. It overrides fear. Fear is a primal reaction to primal things. All animals experience fear. Not all animals are curious though. Even less are self-aware.

It is through the powerful combination of curiosity and self-awareness that has allowed mankind to evolve. However, evolution comes at a price. That price is change. In order for change to happen, We must end one thing we have loved and become familiar with. With that ending, we can move forward into the next story. That story will also end at some point, only because it must for our continued growth.

That is life

All things are temporary, and all things take time. It seems many people have been blogging about exactly that here on WA. As I've read your posts I have seen that each and every one of you are accidental survivors.

Like myself, you were struggling to find something to better your life. By chance, you stumbled upon WA. You allowed your curiosity to take over, then you jumped in.

Some days are harder than others. Some days seem too easy. Whatever the day is like, remember you are a survivor. You are bound to be a hero in your own apocalyptic story. Those who don't jump in, or abandon their curiosity at the first challenge, are the dead. They are the ones swallowed up by mediocrity. They are the ones at the end of their lives with regrets and what-ifs.

You my friend will never be one of them if you keep allowing your curiosity to control you.