Survive: Local Thoughts on the Word of the Decade

Survive. Bear. Endure. Exist. Handle. Last. Live. Recover. Suffer. Sustain. Persevere.

All words relative to where we are in this life and in this world. It may feel heavy, but it is also enlightening. The last two years we’ve shared a global pandemic, a mental health crisis for our youth and adults, and the worst economy in my adult lifetime. Survive seems to be the word of the decade so far—but with survival comes the ability to recover and persevere. In the words the great songwriter Tom Petty, “There ain’t no easy way out and I won’t back down.”

Things to Ponder

Do you have tips on surviving or something you are doing in your life to survive financially or health-wise, either mentally or physically?

“This list could go on and on, but the one action that has reduced my anxiety the most is not letting my gas tank go below half full. The price at the pump doesn’t make me cringe, I am late for meetings less often and knowing that I don’t have to scramble to find a gas station at the last possible second gives me so much peace of mind.” —Mel McMahon Stone, Indiana Owned

Do you have a recommendation on something you read recently that has given you the strength to survive?

“One of the most impactful books I’ve read this past year was To Speak for the Trees by Diana Beresford-Kroeger. Her story speaks to loss, perseverance and the innate relationship humans have with the natural world.” —Audrey Barron, Wild Moon Acres

Do you have words of wisdom on the topic of survival and the world today?

“Too many times in today’s world, when there is a differing of opinion, the parties get angry with each other rather than learn from each other to find a way to compromise. This is a big challenge in today’s world and I am afraid the only way we can survive is by listening to all sides to best understand. I find by doing this it actually strengthens my convictions because in the re-learning process, I form a new conclusion which often coincides with my past conclusions.” —Jeff Rubenstein, co-owner, Edible Indy