Feel As If the World Is Falling Apart?

You're not alone. Here are three choices we all get to make

- Stormy View, image by Clifford Jones

It’s easy to believe the world is falling apart. Every headline is designed to keep us hooked. Storms wreak havoc. Millions struggle with fear, anxiety, and loneliness.

I used to focus on negativity, seeing differences instead of similarities. But there are always consequences to that mindset. Given enough experience, we can change.

Our quality of life depends on how we see ourselves and the world. My shift began when I got sick of suffering. I knew it was time to change, so I did my best.

I turned off the television and radio twenty years ago for my sanity. I still scan headlines, read books, and stay informed—but I choose wisely. If we focus only on the worst, that’s all we’ll see.

The truth is, the world has always been this way. Humans have inflicted horrors on each other for centuries, but good has always outweighed the bad. How do we know? Because we’re still here. Kindness, growth, and hope thrive despite war, famine, and destruction.

I choose to see that goodness. It’s an intentional choice that requires being mindful of the information, food, water, and energy I consume. Without darkness, we wouldn’t know light.

That means we have choices in how we see the world:

1. Resist, fight, rant, and polarize.

2. Check out—numb ourselves with distractions.

3. Create our reality within the reality around us.

That third choice has been my path for over fifteen years since quitting drinking and refusing to let fear and self-loathing control me. I rebuilt my life after bankruptcy, surgery, and losing my way—all by changing how I saw myself and the world.

I don’t let people or circumstances beyond my control dictate my emotions.

• Cut me off in traffic? I pray for you.

• Stiff me on a project? May karma be with you.

• Want to argue? No thanks.

Nobody controls my mindset unless I let them. The same goes for you.

Does that mean I never get upset? Of course not. But I no longer let unnecessary stress consume me. Arguing with reality is futile.

As I did, I immersed myself in learning—psychology, health, creativity, business—anything to build a better life. And you know what? I’m still a beginner. But most mornings feel like Christmas because I now see life as a gift.

We’re here to learn, grow, and transform. When we embrace suffering, we unlock curiosity, creativity, courage, and action. It’s the key to transformation.

For me, suffering led to healing. Healing led to transformation.

When negativity creeps in, I pause, breathe, and ask: What’s the best way to handle this? Learning to pause in frustration gives us space to change our mindset, choices, and path. If we practice this daily, inner peace becomes second nature.

If you’re suffering, part of the world is falling apart. But what can you do to create a better life in your home, relationships, and community?

Change how you see yourself. Change how you see the world. Find your inner peace.

Then, commit to shifting yourself—one moment at a time. Stop arguing with reality. Choose to create it instead.

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The Battle With Resistance

That’s when we meet resistance.

The moment we try to grow—change our thoughts, break a bad habit, or take control—something inside us pushes back.

In The War of Art, Steven Pressfield calls this an invisible force that feeds us fear, doubt, and excuses. It tells us to stay put because change is uncomfortable. Our brains are wired for safety, and “safe” often means familiar—even if that familiar place is misery.

That’s why we hesitate. That’s why we fall into old patterns. Resistance isn’t laziness—a psychological force keeping us from entering the unknown.

Joseph Campbell, who studied myths and legends, saw this in every great story. The hero gets a Call to Adventure, a chance to do something meaningful. But right after, resistance shows up—fear, doubt, and obstacles trying to pull them back.

It happens in real life, too.

When we try to grow, an invisible force pulls us backward. People around us often reinforce it—sometimes without meaning to. They question, doubt, or even mock our efforts to change.

But here’s the truth: Resistance isn’t a bad sign—it’s proof you’re on the right path.

If you feel fear, hesitation, or the urge to stay the same, you’re standing at the edge of something important. The challenge isn’t avoiding resistance—it’s recognizing it and pushing through.

Every hero in every story has to do it. And so do we. Because on the other side of resistance?

That’s where real change happens.

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I’m a six-time author, visual artist, and entrepreneur in Scottsdale, Arizona. As the founder of BrandEquityPlaybook.com, I empower brand-conscious creators and small business owners to S.H.I.F.T. their stories and results into higher gear.