New Year’s Resolution

Among other things, “getting your shit together” means cleaning up after yourself, settling your debts, and taking responsibility for your actions. When you “get your shit together”, you cease to be a burden to others. You’re the social equivalent of “carbon neutral”. It’s a noble goal, but it’s not enough.

Like you, I’ve spent much of my life creating messes that others had to clean up. And in all likelihood, I will one day be a little old man who, once again, creates a whole lot of messes that others have to clean up. But what should I do now, when I’m at the height of my powers, and I’ve got plenty of energy to spare? What should I do with all of these middle decades of productive life?

Some say that I should simply enjoy the freedom afforded by my power and privilege while it lasts. But this narcissistic vision of the good life has always left me cold. Should I not endeavour to give back whilst I have so much to give? Should I not endeavour to clean up other people’s messes (as well as my own) for a change?

Civilization is a beautiful island of order that emerges from time to time, like Atlantis, out of a sea of chaos. It is upheld by those who embrace an ethic of care and repair. It is upheld by those who take responsibility for the world around them and give far more than they take. Let’s endeavour to join their ranks in 2022.