The Author of After: Your Story in a Collapsing World

Take a peek outside your window and, wow, it’s like the universe decided to throw us into the wildest sci-fi mashup ever. We’ve got whispers of global conflict, aliens making headlines (seriously!), AI popping up everywhere you look, drones and robots straight outta Terminator, political drama that feels more like a thriller than reality, quantum tech threatening to flip everything upside down—and let’s not forget those rumblings of civil unrest in places we never thought we’d see it.If your head’s spinning just reading that list, you’re not alone. But hey—maybe all this chaos is just the cosmic nudge we need to wake up and start weaving some real magic together.It feels like we’re headed towards the climax of a movie that 8 billion of us came to Earth to witness and participate in…So what’s actually going on, and how can you prepare yourself for what’s coming?Simply put, we’re entering the final climactic years of the Fourth Turning, and things are about to get serious…In other words…Buckle-up Dorthy Because This Is Going To Be One Heck Of A Ride…The Speed of Change and the Stagnation WithinWe live in a world where knowledge and technology evolve at breakneck speed—a phenomenon some call the “fourth turning,” a time of societal upheaval unlike anything since the Industrial Revolution. With so much shifting around us, it’s no wonder many of us feel overwhelmed. Yet, paradoxically, while we adapt to external change, we often cling to outdated stories about ourselves: who we are, what we’re capable of, and what we deserve. These internal narratives—rooted in fear, scarcity, or learned helplessness—can trap us in cycles of stagnation, even as the world races forward.But here’s the truth: this moment of collective uncertainty is also an invitation. A chance to question the stories we’ve told ourselves and rewrite them. The Illusion of “Who We Are”Think about the beliefs you’ve carried for years. Maybe it’s the voice that says, “I’m not good enough,” or “Money/love/success is always out of reach.” These aren’t truths—they’re narratives we’ve absorbed, often unconsciously, from family, culture, or past experiences.As I realized while chatting with my mom recently, many of us choose these limiting beliefs without even realizing it. I showed her a minimalist purse, symbolizing the freedom I’ve found in simplifying my life. “I don’t just have simplicity,” I told her. “I choose it daily.” That conversation struck me: we’re not trapped by circumstance—we’re trapped by unconscious choices.From Collective Collapse to Personal AwakeningHistorically, periods of societal breakdown (what some call “civilization collapses”) have led to rebirth. We’re in one now—a “nine-year cycle” culminating in what many see as a symbolic “Year of New Beginnings.” If the collective story of our world is shifting, why not our personal stories?If we’ve been taught that life is “hard,” “scarcity-driven,” or “unfair,” we’ve internalized a false reality. But just because we absorbed these ideas as children doesn’t mean they’re true. The first step to change is recognizing that you did choose these beliefs—unconsciously—and now, you can choose anew.Escaping the Poverty Mindset: Beyond “Learned Helplessness”Psychologist Martin Seligman coined the term learned helplessness to describe when people feel they have no control over their lives. This mindset isn’t just about money—it’s a mental trap that says, “Why try? Nothing changes.”But here’s the good news: this is a choice you can undo. You didn’t have to believe life is “difficult” or “not enough.” You learned it. And now, you can unlearn it.Take minimalism, for example. My mom and I both choose simplicity not because we lack, but because it frees us to focus on what truly matters. Financial abundance isn’t the goal—it’s a tool to create impact. The key is shifting from scarcity to choice.The Power of Conscious ChoiceThe most transformative decisions aren’t grand gestures—they’re daily acts of reclamation. Every morning, you choose:* Will I believe my worth is tied to my bank account?* Or will I trust my potential is infinite, regardless of circumstances?As we step into this new year (or a symbolic “Year of the Horse,” a time of renewal), I invite you to envision a reality aligned with your deepest potential. Picture yourself unburdened by fear, creating the life you’ve imagined but never dared to claim.Tools for Transformation: The Light Between OracleIf anxiety or self-doubt holds you back, consider exploring tools like the Light Between Oracle. Designed to guide reflective dialogue, it helps you:* Uncover hidden beliefs that limit you.* Replace fear with curiosity.* Discover unexpected paths forward.This isn’t about magic—it’s about reconnecting with your innate creativity and choice. By engaging in ...