” Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you’re always afraid”
Song by Stephen Stills
Single released by Buffalo Springfield in 1966
This is the song on The Forrest Gump soundtrack that made me tear up.
“There’s battle lines being drawn
Nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong”
53 years later and turmoil continues. I’m more afraid because I have grandchild now. We still have divisions but they seem to becoming worse as time goes on. We have angry conflicts within groups and with other nations and increasing incidents of extreme weather events. Income inequality is growing and so is nastiness and name calling. Drug and alcohol use is skyrocketing and there is an uptick in suicides. Mass shootings in schools, places of worship, and in the workplace are are becoming more and more common.
“There’s something happening here
What it is ain’t exactly clear”
We are evolving as a species in the realms of technology and innovation but there are deeply embedded quirks in our nature that haven’t advanced since our cave days. Does the “fight and flight” trigger continue to make us wary of those around us, especially those who are different? Is self preservation and self interest overriding empathy? Do we accumulate money not only to enjoy material things but to have power, dominance, and superiority over others?
I’m not absolved from this. I have done my share of bad things as a human being. But in this last chapter of my life, I’m searching to find the best in myself and in our species. I’m encouraged by those through history who believed “that injustice to one is injustice to all.” I pray that we can work together to guarantee that our common destiny is one filled with positive energy and purpose. This is my hope, especially for my grandkids.
“Stop, children, what’s that sound
Everybody look what’s going down”
Copyright 2019@theautonomoustraveler.com All right reserved.
The Autonomous Traveler 
Courage . History tells in the end, through all the Violence and ihumane horror, good triumphs over evil. On the other hand, these tumultuous times could be forecasting the end of our history. Courage , good intentions and action where needed are essential to our survival. When we fail all fails. This not the time for the faint hearted. Courage. Persevere.
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Yes, I persevere, trying to put positive energy into the world. I get upset but try to remember we only have present moments and we need to make the most of each one. My life is filled with joy. “Trust and gratitude” is my motto.
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Very good summary of the trouble of our times. Unfortunately, not so different as the previous ones. Only now we are older and more cognizant if it’s repercussions. Personally, I try to deal with what I can actually change. I don’t want to be a worry worth. We found resolve in our generation so I’m confident our grand-children’s generation will find creative solutions as well. I focus on being as giving as I can be, as just as possible and try to make a difference where I can. Gardening seems to be my world these days bring major sweats but joy and satisfaction. I’m not blazée as to all the aches of the world but I concentrate on what I can contribute to the positive change. I am thankful for all that I have especially my garden of good friends . Today, I thankful for the abondant rain watering my ‘real’ garden. Namaste!🙏
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Yes, when I get too upset by the world situation I remember to squeeze the life out of each the day, to enjoy the present moment. That’s all we can do but isn’t it wonderful!
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