What Would I Change About Modern Society?

I’m back to respond to another WordPress writing prompt. I enjoy these because I can write something to publish even if it is not officially work-related. Much can and probably should change about society. So, it’s difficult to see a clear starting point.

Be that as it may, answering this question is worth it. Modern society, for all of the progress that has occurred, appears unable to truly enjoy life.

In some sense, this is related to my previous writing about being present, but it’s more specific. Contentment can’t last; it fades fast.

It’s not that we are never content, but it does not seem like the norm for us as humans. Some people enjoy one achievement only to desire the next one hours later.

The success of today breeds the desire for more tomorrow. Aside from achievements, moments fall into this trap.

One experience, be it a vacation or something else, sparks a hunger for more vacations and adventures. This is not inherently bad, but the dissatisfaction is troublesome.

Desiring to make more good memories or achieve another career highlight is not wrong, but it’s possible that wondering when the next big thing will happen steals from the moment.

It’s not necessarily bad to plan a vacation soon after returning from one. However, I would not mind being satisfied to the point of delaying such planning.

Sitting on a beach under the beautiful sun is a wonderful experience, but sitting on that same beach wondering when you will return is dreadfully irritating.

It’s equally irritating when the celebration of a career accomplishment is interrupted by one question: what’s next? This question can arise from a person’s own thoughts or come from a well-intentioned person.

This question isn’t one that can never be asked, but it should be asked a lot less. We must learn to enjoy the moment.

As a planner myself, I have had to reign in my inclination to think of planning too soon and allow myself to simply enjoy. As a creative person, this isn’t an easy task.

I’m always wondering about the next story to tell and whether it can be better than the last one. I often wonder how I can top myself.

This is not a forbidden behavior. On the other hand, we grant it too much access to our lives. We need not forbid wanting more memory making times or more career milestones, but people would be better served to control these desires rather than be driven by them.

The obvious error that is possible is to misread what has been said thus far. Some may read my writing in response to this prompt and entirely or mostly miss my point.

More and better experiences are good but not at the expense of enjoying the now. There is a sometimes scary but important question we ought to ask ourselves.

What if we can’t do it again? In other words, what happens if a day comes where we no longer have the means to see another career high or another sunset on a beach?

What if the next big thing or that next moment can’t or doesn’t come? What if they arrive but it fails to meet our expectations?

Another time isn’t promised. Health changes can bring about changes to living in general. Health is not the only factor susceptible to change.

Despair need not rule the day. Treasures are found in new adventures. Doing something old in a new way is rewarding. It’s even better to enjoy the present.

So, what is one to do? A good starting point is clear.

We can dream and plan, but we must promise ourselves that we will enjoy the present and find joy when the future arrives, even if it is not exactly or even close to what we wanted.