Is it going to get better?

The human mind excels at creating narratives. We construct grand stories about our lives, picturing a future overflowing with success, happiness, and unending progress. This "illusion of a bright future" acts as a powerful motivator, propelling us forward and fueling our ambitions. Yet, beneath its shimmering surface lurks a darker truth: the future is an uncertain landscape, and our relentless pursuit of a perpetually sunny tomorrow can have profound psychological consequences.

Early on, the seeds of the "bright future" narrative are sown. Fairytales with happily-ever-after endings, self-help books promising everlasting joy, and the curated perfection of social media all contribute to this pervasive mindset. Our culture reinforces the idea that life is a linear journey culminating in a future pinnacle of achievement and fulfillment.

Modern society often promotes an unrelenting pursuit of positivity, urging us to "think happy thoughts" and visualize our ideal futures. However, this unwavering optimism can be a double-edged sword. When faced with life's inevitable setbacks and disappointments, the illusion of a constantly bright future can crumble, leading to feelings of inadequacy and disillusionment.

The "bright future" narrative assumes a degree of control over life that simply doesn't exist. Unexpected events, accidents, and the unpredictable nature of fate can shatter our carefully constructed plans, leaving us feeling powerless and questioning the very point of striving for a future that may never come.

Furthermore, the pursuit of happiness framed within the context of a perpetually bright future can become a self-defeating cycle. As we achieve goals, the bar for happiness keeps rising. We find ourselves constantly chasing the next "big thing," forever on a "hedonic treadmill" of fleeting pleasures and unfulfilled desires.

This persistent illusion can significantly impact our mental well-being. The pressure to constantly strive for a future utopia can lead to a range of psychological challenges. The stark contrast between the hopeful narrative of a bright future and the undeniable reality of our finite existence can trigger profound existential anxiety. Confronting the meaninglessness of death in a universe indifferent to our aspirations can evoke feelings of despair and a sense of purposelessness.

Terror Management Theory posits that the awareness of our mortality is a fundamental source of anxiety. We create and maintain cultural narratives – beliefs in progress, purpose, or an afterlife – to cope with this inherent anxiety. The "bright future" narrative can be seen as one such coping mechanism. However, when faced with the possibility of a future cut short by illness or unforeseen circumstances, this narrative crumbles, leaving us vulnerable to the terror of our mortality.

The pervasive "bright future" narrative often portrays a narrow definition of success and happiness. Social media feeds and curated online personalities create a sense of "keeping up with the Joneses," fueling a fear of missing out (FOMO) on the supposed bliss awaiting us in the future. This constant pressure to achieve a particular ideal future can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy.

While the illusion of a perpetually bright future can be a source of anxiety, its recognition needn't be a cause for despair. By acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of life, we can free ourselves from the limitations of this narrative and find meaning in the present moment.

The Latin Reminder: "Memento Mori" ("Remember you must die") serves as a powerful reminder of our limited time on earth. By cherishing the preciousness of time itself, we can prioritize what truly matters and appreciate the fleeting beauty of life's experiences.

Acceptance of an uncertain future does not mean succumbing to apathy. It can be a liberating force, freeing us from the anxieties associated with chasing an elusive utopia. It allows us to focus on the present moment, cultivate meaningful relationships, and appreciate the journey of life itself.

The awareness of death's inevitability can push us to find meaning in the everyday, in the connections we forge and the experiences we share. Instead of focusing on an imagined future peak of achievement, we can find joy and satisfaction in the process of growth, learning, and contributing to the world around us.

Moving beyond the "bright future" narrative requires a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing life as a linear journey towards a single endpoint, we can consider it as a cyclical process of growth and experience.

Gratitude for the present moment, for the relationships we have, and for the experiences we encounter, can be a powerful antidote to the anxieties associated with the "bright future" narrative. Focusing on what we already have, rather than what we hope to achieve, can cultivate a sense of contentment and appreciation for life's richness.

Many Eastern philosophies embrace the concept of impermanence as a fundamental aspect of reality. By appreciating the fleeting nature of life – the changing seasons, the impermanence of beauty, and the impermanence of suffering itself – we can learn to savor the present moment and find meaning in the ever-evolving tapestry of our lives.

Focusing solely on personal achievement within the framework of a "bright future"