The Doomsday Loop

You Can Find A Way Out

Has anyone been feeling… how do I put it, out of control lately?

Yesterday, I drove out to my Planet Fitness for a quick set on the leg press. Ever since my PT last fall, I've been working on keeping the arthritis in my knee at bay, and the leg machines over there do the trick. Close to home. 20 minutes. In and done.

I passed by a Mobil on the way - $3.39 for unleaded. I thought to myself, after my workout, I better fill up.

Half hour later, after my workout… $3.49.

This actually depressed me, despite the fact (or maybe because of the fact) that I have nothing to do with it. I have no control, no agency. There are things happening around me - around us - and it’s bringing me down.

Two things happened at once to help me pull out of my funk, and I wanted to tell you about it. Maybe it’ll help you as well.

First, my dear friend Matt Landry wrote a little essay that seemed perfect for my morass of the mind. Matt’s a kind-hearted, wonderful writer and one of the nicest humans I’ve ever met. Here’s his inspirational essay, give it a read:

You're Doing Great!

The other thing I came across was a phrase that caught my attention: Doomsday Loop. That’s when news and events are happening around you, out of your control, and it puts you in a rut. But ruts aren’t permanent.

I recommend using something called the 3-3-3 Protocol.

One, look around your physical space and identify three things you appreciate. For me, in this immediate space where I’m writing, that would be my dog at my feet, the beef jerky I’m nibbling on and the NyQuil I’m going to take right before bed because I have a little sore throat. Remember, this step isn’t about forcing yourself to be happy. It’s about grounding you in your own space, a lifeline that stops a free-fall.

Two, think of three things in your life going right. Even tiny things. Again, for me that would be, my cholesterol count is down, my library expansion is going to a vote tomorrow and my family is solid and together. Even small wins help put the breaks on the Doomsday Loop.

Three, identify three forward motion decisions you’ve made. Again, even small stuff counts. I’m going to bed a little earlier today. I said yes to an author festival in Epping in May. I filled up my tank at $3.49 before the price went up even further.

Focus on your immediate sphere, what else can we do? How about you? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve for combating the Doomsday Loop?