All things considered, things are pretty good

Feeling down constantly but not sure why? It happens. Modern life can be terribly repetitive, bland, and numbing, so feeling down for no apparent reason isn’t that weird. One thing that’s helped me a bit is simply being more attentive and appreciative of the ordinary, and grateful for the time in which I happen to exist.

It’s easy to take things for granted. The warm water in the shower. The cozy bed and soft blankets you sleep under. The roof that shelters you and your loved ones. Unlimited information; the world at the palm of your hand. Exposed to the extraordinary every single day, it’s only natural to become desensitized to the miracles of modernity.
Of course, the world is far from perfect. It’s scary, uncertain, and overwhelming, but if we stop to think about it, that has always been the case. Whether a caveman, a merchant in Ancient Greece, a tailor in the Renaissance period, a miner in the Industrial Revolution, or a home office clerk in modernity, there’s always been war, disease, greed, violence, and rage. Yet, I dare say we live in a vastly underrated era. I consider myself ineffably lucky to have been born in this time and not in, say the Dark Ages, or the Crusades, the time of the Bubonic Plague, or under Nazi Germany, or Stalin’s Soviet Russia. Of all the periods of time I could have existed, I exist now, in 2024. In a crazy world, indeed. But also a world where there have never been as many co-existing communities that aren’t trying to kill each other 24/7 but are actually tolerant, inclusive, and respectful of others’ views; the first time in history in which entire nations acknowledge all races and genders as equal. A point in time that has put so much time in our hands. Time we can use to reach a deeper understanding of ourselves, our community, and our world.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying it’s heaven on earth, for there’s still disease, poverty, war, and even slavery out there. My point is that things could and definitely have been worse. But they’re not, even when you think they are. I mean, if you’re reading this you’re probably living a very comfy life filled with constant gratification: expensive drinks, Amazon Prime, more guitars than you will ever need (guilty), bizarre monthly subscriptions, etcetera. Unfortunately, as great and cozy modern life might be for many of us, we don’t ever stop to look around and realize it. We don’t stop to think that for the most part of human history, it’s been nothing but a never-ending tale of simply trying to stay alive.

So, feeling down constantly? Maybe some gratitude can help. Here’s a simple exercise:

• Get pen and paper

• Look around you or take a look in the mirror

• Name 3 things you're glad you have

• Think of how much it would suck if you didn't

• Write that down

Do that every day and enjoy the feeling of re-discovering how lucky you really are.