Look out for yourself in 2022

C. Josh Givens

Well, 2021 is in the books and, to be honest, I’m not sure I remember that much of it. At least in my view, it just felt like a repeat of 2020.

A pandemic, a world climate increasingly changing, widening divisions in society and politics, career challenges, and kind of sinking into a routine of just staying home and staying out of the way.

Yeah, not much difference in the past two calendar years. Oh, sure, there are things that stand out in the year, but I can’t be the only one that’s kind of blanked out on the past 24 months or so.

An angry mob storming the U.S. Capitol. The evolving coronavirus. Unclear messaging on the economy. Struggling to keep our heads above water. Deadly tornados in December.

Yeah, big fun.

I’m a fan of the hip hop artist Ludacris, and though it’s been said many times, in many ways, I like this lyric, “Keep in mind, when you hit rock bottom, there ain’t nowhere to go but up, baby.”

I don’t believe we are quite at rock bottom across the spectrum, but in many ways, it can feel that way.

We all have personal lives, and there are challenges which come with having a family and close friends. People get sick, we all get older, some folks will not make it to a new year, and even others will have their lives disrupted in terrible ways.

That’s true just about every year, but these past two have been a special a sort of “what’s next” manner of living.

I certainly do not want to come across as “doom and gloom,” and I am hopeful our nation and world can get its act together, however the challenges can become a bit overwhelming.

There is a hope that comes with the turning of a new year, and I do still have that hope. But I struggle.

On a personal level, I have long struggled in my faith and I am not ashamed to admit it to you. I often try to find the positive in life … and often fail. But I am hopeful to find a way forward.

You can label me “jaded and cynical” if you wish, but 30 years writing about human behavior, political calculation and the days that add up to years kind of puts a tarnish on my outlook at times.

I don’t believe this to be rare or even unique. I believe all of us go through it. We try to paint a rosy picture on social media or in certain social situations, but in our hearts we have to understand our experiences paint our outlook.

These days are challenging our outlooks for the future. It does not matter where you fall on the political or socio-economic spectrum. It does not matter your race or your region. We all struggle.

In these weeks and months ahead, communities all across our nation will deal with natural disasters, political upheaval and social issues. It can become overwhelming.

I am not one to make new year resolutions. I just don’t feel they ever hold up. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed or even underwhelmed, there are resources to help you through it.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and I believe these past few years have taught us how important it is to look out for yourself. It is not selfish; it is responsible.

If you are seeking a more positive outlook, but just can’t seem to get there, reach out to a professional in the mental health field. Sure, this may be a bit of a downer column, but we must face the realities of our time. More and more of us are not feeling our very best, and many times can’t understand why.

There are people who can help you. They will listen. They will offer advice and solutions. If you are not feeling good about that first person you talk about your mental health, there are others. Search until you find the one who works for you.

We have a new year in 2022, and this one, too, will pass. But we do not have to pass it feeling the challenges of the past two. We can do better.

C. Josh Givens can be reached at 270-927-6945 or [email protected]