It would be a mistake to think that the world might suddenly become significantly safer, healthier, more peaceful, respectful, affordable, better preserved, and generally less stressful on its own. It would be amazing if it did, but it’s magical thinking to expect such a 180-degree turn of events. So while it’s true that you can’t change the winds or currents in this tumultuous world, you can adjust your sails or your swimming abilities so that you can guide yourself to a safe harbor or shore. In other words, you can’t always control the crises and catastrophes that are swirling around you, but you do have some sway over how you handle them and react to them emotionally.
At this point, you are in a unique position to come to your own rescue when you experience the flare-ups of emotional inflammation that are bound to happen in this chaotic world. Armed with the knowledge you’ve gained from reading this book and using the RESTORE plan, you now possess the tools that will help you deal with the vicissitudes and challenges of modern life. Arm yourself with those tools and wield them wisely to protect your emotional well-being and energy and to set yourself up to achieve steady calm. Continue to judiciously limit your exposure to news feeds, as well as bright lights and technological devices at night. Maintain a consistent sleep-wake schedule. Engage in regular exercise and take care of your microbiome. And keep making an effort to tame your thoughts and tension, using the techniques you’ve learned here. These are all essential ways to ease emotional inflammation and ward off its triggers.
Ultimately, the key to relieving the distress you’ve been feeling is to find the right balance between turning inward and reaching outward—that is, to untangle the complex web of emotions inside you, identify the forces that commonly trigger them, and tend to them constructively, while also engaging in meaningful activities that give you a sense of purpose, foster a sense of community, and create a spark that has the potential to ignite positive changes in the world. To paraphrase an Afghan proverb, “Drop by drop . . . it becomes a river”—meaning that every positive action you take counts. Even if you don’t see the direct fruits of your efforts to improve matters, remember that there are ripple effects that come from doing the right thing on a particular issue.
Some people hesitate to take steps to bring about meaningful changes because their actions may feel paltry compared to the enormity of the problems in our world. But our personal actions do make a difference because the energy and initiative of one person can awaken others to follow suit; then, when they do, their actions will awaken and inspire still others to take a stand or get involved in making society a more humane and equitable place or protecting the natural world. Our actions may start off as individual ones but they are counted together and they add up—and cumulatively they can become a powerful force for change. You can lead by example—especially if you start viewing yourself as an agent of change.
Remember, though, that different people have different coping styles, and in trying times it’s especially important to recognize and accept these variations—with compassion, rather than judgment. Taking a hopeful and empathetic approach to the chaos of today’s world and our place in it requires courage and tenacity—qualities that come more easily when we cultivate a sense of community and solidarity. There are cultural, technological, political, ecological, and personal tipping points—pivotal points that can move the needle of change in either direction, toward progress or setbacks, on any given issue. Each and every one of us has the potential to make a difference in fostering change for the better. Once a positive tipping point is reached, progress can come more quickly than we could ever have imagined. It’s about setting the wheels in motion—empowering in its own right.
As you move forward, continue to put on your own (metaphorical) oxygen mask first, especially when you feel your emotional inflammation being triggered, before trying to help or influence others. Otherwise, you’ll risk depleting your own physical and emotional stamina, and you won’t be able to effectively help anyone else. Human beings have a remarkable capacity to rebound from hardship and adversity, to grow and learn from their experiences. You can incorporate these hard-won lessons into your worldview, your view of yourself, and the manner in which you approach your life in ways that will help you not only survive but actually thrive. You deserve nothing less.