Conversations about “end times” have a way of resurfacing whenever crises stack up. From supply chain shocks and inflation to political turbulence and healthcare gridlock, many people are asking whether we’re watching society fall apart. Framed plainly, the question is whether the systems we rely on are failing in ways that feel unprecedented—and what that might mean for our daily lives. While “apocalyptic” evokes finality, there’s another way to look at upheaval: as widespread, uncomfortable change that’s both disruptive and revealing.

Across many domains, the evidence of strain is familiar. Prices don’t match receipts. “Stat” medical procedures are delayed for weeks. Institutions can feel sluggish, indifferent, or overwhelmed. These frustrations suggest mismatches between systems and the needs they’re meant to serve. Seeing breakdowns is not, on its own, a reason to despair; it can be a sign that longstanding processes are due for redesign. A neutral reading is that some structures are no longer fit for purpose. That doesn’t automatically imply societal collapse. It does suggest a period of adjustment, experimentation, and—inevitably—messiness.

History also offers context. In every era, groups have believed they were witnessing the end of the world. So far, they’ve been wrong. Humanity’s track record includes surviving wars, pandemics, and technological upheavals through a mix of ingenuity and adaptation. That doesn’t mean everything gets “fixed” or that a golden age is guaranteed after a downturn. It does mean people and communities often find workable ways forward—sometimes imperfect, sometimes surprisingly effective—without waiting for a savior or a perfect system.

At the personal level, what we believe about crisis shapes how we experience it. Catastrophic thinking can spill into health, finances, and relationships, making hard situations harder. Practical counterweights help: ask for help sooner, not later; look for competent individuals within imperfect systems; consider second opinions; tend to basics like sleep, sunlight, movement, and nutrition; and use simple resets like gratitude and time in nature to interrupt mental loops. None of these erase real problems, but they do improve our bandwidth to navigate them.

Perhaps the most useful question isn’t “Is the world ending?” but “Who do I want to be while things are changing?” If systems are wobbling, we still influence how we show up—for family, coworkers, neighbors, and ourselves. Change often removes what wasn’t working and makes space for creativity. In that space, small choices add up: staying curious, pausing before reacting, spotting workable opportunities, and supporting others where we can. Even in choppy waters, those habits keep communities afloat—and make apocalyptic certainty feel less like a foregone conclusion and more like one story among many.

This episode was shared with Janet's newsletter several days ago. It's now being offered to our channels. Next week's will be shared first with Jill's newsletter.

Janet's website is at https://janeteichorst.com/ and Jill's is https://jillreneefeeler.com/

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Jill