Someday I hope to look back at 2020 as I look back at 2001 when the tech bubble burst, the twin towers came down and I had to tell 40+ employees that our startup was done for and they were losing their jobs on Thanksgiving day.
Not exactly fond memories.
The thing is, if these disaster years come every two decades or so then I’ll probably be too far underground to have any reason to bitch about the next one.
So I’ve got that going for me.
It’s fascinating to look at the different ways people handle extraordinarily depressing events … like 2020. Here’s how I do it:
It helps to have a sense of humor. If you don’t take yourself — or anything else, for that matter — too seriously you’ll have an easier time surviving the shitshow life occasionally becomes.
Drink heavily. I know, I know, it’s scary when the doc asks how many drinks you have on average. You say “five or six.” He thinks you mean “a week” but you actually meant “a day.” Whatever.
Work. The ultimate distraction if you can get it. It helps if you love or at least tolerate what you do for a living.
Music. It’s a good idea to get out of your own head and just chill sometimes. Music is a big part of my life. My latest obsession is The Dandy Warhols. It is literally impossible to stay depressed after listening to Every Day Should Be a Holiday.
Run. Factoid: Dandys front-man Courtney Taylor-Taylor says writing music is an outlet that keeps him from killing himself. That’s what running does for me. Everyone should have a physical outlet. Helps a lot.
Good meds. I mean, not that I’m on anything … that you know of.
Write. Same as running, except mental instead of physical.
Sports. If you’re not a sports fan you’ll never get it.
Movies. Goes without saying.
DIY projects. Combines problem solving distraction with a tremendous sense of accomplishment for a job well done. Also saves dough if you’re making or repairing useful stuff. All good.
Of course, that’s just me. Your experience may vary, objects in mirror are closer than they appear, yada yada.
Image credit Qwedgeonline / Flickr