N.K. Jemisin, Paul Trembley,  Andy Weir, Veronica Roth, and Amor Towles were each asked to write a short story for a collection by renowned figures in Science Fiction during the pandemic. A screenwriter and author, Blake Crouch, last known to be living in Durango, Colorado, was driving through the Rocky Mountains with his partner, debating the topic of growing up in the “bubble of rapid change in technological advancement. He felt that much of the advancement had been amazing, but some of it needed to be rolled back because of its negative effects. He also posed the question of whether we would ever know where the discovery would lead us and, if we had to stop it, whether we could. And how would it feel to change the world? Would our world become a better place? This collection of six stories (including one by Crouch) is phenomenal, and most of the writers have moved on to newer and wonderful projects (e.g., books and movies, including The Martian, Project Hail Mary, and A Gentleman in Moscow, to name a few).

Since the first six of the Far Reach novellas were written, six more authors have written a new set, and I have read them all. Each tale speaks of a society like the one we have today and how we can cope with expanding into the unknown universe to make our lives better on Earth in the long-run. The books touch on subjects that help us understand that we are just a speck in time and space, and life will change no matter how we try to stay in the past.

I often search for connection in my current world of solitude and find others doing the same. We lack connection because we are so stuck in our individual lives. We aren’t getting what we need out of the constant streaming of bits and pieces of doom and gloom. So, I have to sit back, reflect on what is really important in my life, and concentrate on what is next. And yet I still need that connection with another human, so I keep searching. Gardening and writing sustain my spirit, but sometimes you just need to bounce back into that maelstrom of human interaction.

I recently looked into the 10-10-10 Rule, developed by author and speaker Suzy Welch. She developed a decision-making framework used to overcome short-term emotional responses by evaluating the consequences of a choice across three time frames: 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. When facing a difficult or emotionally charged decision, she recommended that you slow down and ask yourself the following three questions before taking action: 

• 10 minutes: How will I feel about this choice in 10 minutes? (Focuses on immediate, often emotional reactions.)
• 10 months: How will I feel about this choice in 10 months? (Focuses on the mid-term consequences and adjustments.)
• 10 years: How will I feel about this choice in 10 years? (Focuses on the long-term impact on your overall life goals.)

Welch stated that most regret comes from making a decision based solely on how it feels in the immediate short term. By zooming out and looking at the bigger picture, you can stop impulsive reactions and ensure that your choices align with your core values and long-term trajectory. In other words, you can focus on how to get out of a spiral of despair.

If you focus on the good and future possibilities instead of what is happening daily in your life right now, you can get away from this moment in time. Unless time travel is real, you can’t change the past, but you can walk into your future with courage.

If you can take your current situation and surround yourself with what author and speaker Alli Worthington terms your battle buddies, you will get through your disappointment and come out stronger and wiser on the other side. She stated that “We weren’t created to go it alone anywhere in life. When you are in the deep valley of disappointment, reach out to your battle buddies, those few friends who have proven they genuinely care for you.” And “Your battle buddies will not only validate the pain of your disappointment, but they will also care enough to lock arms with you and drag you out of that pit….They’ll help you find perspective and walk with you as you battle to overcome your disappointment.” And, finally, “Finding a battle buddy is a great way to remember you aren’t alone. When you feel like someone else is in it with you, it’s easier to remember you have the power to overcome your disappointment.”

So, no matter what you believe or how horrible the state of the Union is right now, know you can rely on your buddies to get through it. Know that you can still do some good things and pay it forward every day. Know that you are worthy and stay positive!

I love you all and hope for a better tomorrow every day that I am alive!