Ever since the Covid lockdowns, I feel the world has been gripped by a certain sense of paralysis. We know things cannot go on as they are, but we don’t know what’s coming next. Many are facing economic hardship caused largely by the incompetence and malevolence of our regime. Meanwhile, a senseless war in Ukraine ensues, draining what we have left. It seems everyone is holding their breath, waiting to see just how bad things will get.
But we are also waking up. A line has been drawn in the sand by those who recognize the evils of the Left. We have seen where the path of compromise leads and have rejected it. And while the indie community is still very small compared to Hollywood, the leviathan has been wounded. We need only be there to pick up the pieces when it falls.
I think 2022 was a year of transition. Many people are still shaking off the tattered remnants of the old world. The shock of the lockdowns is finally wearing off, and we’re seeing the first steps of this decade. We often veil our eyes with the hope of a return to normalcy, but that illusion will fade. It must fade because the old world is now and truly dead. Normalcy isn’t coming back ever again.
It is in this spirit that I want to counsel against paralysis. The times coming ahead will be hard; there is no doubt about that. But it also means that the most important time to act is now. I’m not saying to begin stockpiling for the apocalypse (though building up a supply of canned goods couldn’t hurt), but what I am saying is to make the most of this time.
We rest at a singular opportunity in history. Generations past have long dreamt of change, and now here it is in all its terror and splendor. That terror paralyzes people, causing them to resort to drugs or alcohol or even video games. People who are afraid try to numb themselves in any way they can. We must face this fear, and in doing so, we will help steer the course of change for the better.
I know I am not immune to sloth. 2022 was a year of transition for me personally as well. Through God, I saw the end of vices that have plagued me for nearly a decade. However, I also sank into deep despair over my decision with the vaccine. The consequences cost me dearly, and I believed I had no real future.
I put off obligations that I shouldn’t have. I stopped searching for a career, and I numbed myself at every available opportunity. I didn’t think six months to a year ahead because I thought all was lost. And when you numb yourself, you leave a hole in your heart. Given enough time, it fills with bitterness and resentment. Given more time, there won’t be much of you left.
I look forward to 2023 as a year of opportunity. More and more, I see creators putting out exciting new content. New faces are constantly appearing, and people are organizing in ways we’ve never been able to do before. I am excited to see the future of the indie community, and despite the hardships inevitably coming our way, I believe wholeheartedly that our future is a bright one.
As for myself, with God’s help, I will try to apply myself to my work with as much vigor as I can muster. I will be starting Exodus 90 with a few friends, and while that will cut back on my social media presence, it will give me far more time for reading and writing articles (I will remain on substack).
In the meantime, I wish all of you a Happy New Year, and I want to thank everyone who has stuck by me as I muddle about making articles and short stories. Your feedback and appreciation of my work is what keeps me going. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, I’ll have wrapped up editing for Matrioshka, and I can start selling the book for real.
Best wishes,
-Isaac
And always remember, no matter how bad things seem, God is with us.