Everything I just talked about are strictly some of the personal goals, abilities, and victories of mine; things that really have little to nothing to do with whatever’s going on outside of my personal life. What classes I choose to take in college have basically nothing to do with what candidates and policies I decide to vote for/against this year. Whether or not I decide to spend my mornings outside or inside has basically nothing to do with what the people around me are up to. Whether or not I start my day with a hot cup of tea or a cold can of soda isn’t dependent on really anything outside of my control. So on and so fourth. 

The question now becomes, “How do I feel about the year from here on out?”

As I demonstrated previously, when it comes to my personal life and goals, I’m feeling quite optimistic. I’m still very cautious with my optimism, and my anxiety will never let me forget about the possibility of shit going south. But, as it stands right now, I think I’ll get on with life just fine. And I have lots of things to look forward to and have confidence in. 

When it comes to things beyond me, from politics t0 the weather, I’m far less optimistic. But, don’t confuse that pessimism with fear. 

Indeed, I understand why someone would be scared shitless of the year ahead. Politics is ugly as it is, and it’s only gonna get uglier as the year wears on and the November elections draw nearer. With left/right extremism getting more prominent and… well… extreme, mental health issues skyrocketing even more, and public trust at an all time low, I suspect we’re gonna see some crazy shit go down this year as a result of that. But, I don’t think fear is the right way to respond to whatever happens from here on out. 

Sure, awareness is important. But fear, especially to the point of illness? I don’t think so. 

Again, I know it’s quite ironic for that to come from me of all people. But, I’m speaking from experience, and that experience has taught me that worrying myself sick over something, even if I have every right to be so worried about something, helps nothing and nobody. In other words, if I can’t control or do something to change it, what’s the point of worrying about it? Why not give it to God, and focus on things I can do?

That said, I’m not advocating for total ignorance of what’s going on that’s outside of one’s control. People still need to be decently informed on politics and the economy, and other things that will have an indirect (and sometimes direct) impact on their lives. People still ought to vote and make their voices heard on things that are very important to them. But, at the same time, it’s equally important to recognize that nobody can save the world, let alone slightly change it all by themselves. It’s important to take one’s wellbeing into account. 

In simpler terms, if the news keeps you up at night, don’t look at it! Certainly don’t obsess over it. Doing so will do nothing except make your quality of life worse. Don’t believe me? Measure your blood pressure when you’re knee deep into the news. I guarantee you’ll have something going on akin to White Coat Syndrome. 

Ultimately, as pessimistic as I am about things, I don’t think daily life will change very much (if at all) for the average American no matter who is in the Oval Office. Sure, we have a handful of crazies in power (and who are seeking power) in Congress. Even so, there are enough crazies on both sides to keep things relatively unchanged in the United States. I’m not saying that’s a good thing. I’m just saying it is what it is. 

Plus, I really do think there are also more than enough competent people in the US government to keep things relatively stable. I don’t think the average politician is very smart in any way, shape, or form. But, that’s why they appoint the officials that they do (plus, the Senate gets a say in whether or not a presidential appointee gets the job, so there’s that too). 

Long story short, I think everyone who is super worried about this year’s bullshit needs to just take a chill pill; to get on with life again to the best of their ability. Because, at the end of the day, really nothing’s in our control. One can’t even dictate whether or not their heart will keep beating, let alone who the next president will be, or what bills will or won’t become law, or whether or not it will snow tomorrow, or whether or not you'll take another breath. So, why not focus on the things you can control: what you do and don’t eat, when you go to bed and wake up, what you wear, how much you exercise, how much you go outside, whether you walk, bike, or drive, what boxes you do and don’t check on the ballot, the list goes on. 

And give the rest to God. 

At least, that’s what I try my best to do every day.