Days unfold. Weeks evolve. Months seem to draw to their respective conclusions with little fanfare or warning. And before we know it, the holiday decor is being pulled down from the attic, and plans are being outlined for the next year.
But what is time, really? We each experience it differently; some marveling at how fast it’s flown, others tediously marking the minutes. There is no universal reality, only the cliched concepts of those who feel the world revolves around them.
The truth is, there is no absolute truth to anything — just a pile of opinions competing for prominence. Three versions of any story, at the bare minimum — isn’t that the accepted theory? And yet, we each remain steadfast in pushing our own agendas. Funny, how egos work.
Perhaps this is why I’ve refrained from weighing in with my take on anything for the last several months. The thought of contributing a collection of words resembling a column, or blog, or pseudo essay on life instantly seems exhausting, and pointless when held up in comparison to countless others. If the last year has confirmed anything, it’s that the majority of us are not interested in exploring other perspectives.
Do I digress? Maybe. But does anyone really care? Doubtful. While we may have returned to a sense of ‘normalcy’ over these last several months, the fact remains we are, as a whole, one of the more self-absorbed societies, pulled in by whims. We each consider our own circumstances to be the worst, the most trying, the ultimate in inconveniences. And yet, dare we trade with another, if presented with the opportunity? Unlikely.
First world problems. It’s an expression glibly tossed about in a half joking manner; but those who can casually quit jobs with no solid backup plan, fire off manifestos on social media on topics they have the barest understanding of, or who remain glued to whatever technical device in lieu of human contact — even post-pandemic — would be hard-pressed to frame a convincing counter-argument.
Do I judge too harshly? Perhaps. But who cares? Just continue scrolling, or hit snooze or unfollow, and press on with your life. That’s the name of the game these days. Don’t like it, ignore it. Carry on. Pay no mind.
And when the calendar flips to a brand new year, let’s dispense with the illusion that anything will change.
Because it won’t. Not unless we do.