I was reading one of those endless ads about serious depression and they said one of the symptoms of depression is hopelessness. Like so many words I’ve heard, I have a common sense view of what that word means but no real understanding of the meaning. So I thought I’d ask Meta AI to give me a description.
“Hopelessness is a feeling of despair, helplessness, and pessimism about the future. It’s a state of mind where someone feels that their situation is impossible to change or improve, and that they are trapped with no way out.
When someone feels hopeless, they may:
1. Feel a lack of control over their life or circumstances. 2. Believe that their problems are insurmountable or unsolvable. 3. Feel disconnected from others, like no one understands or cares. 4. Experience a sense of numbness, emptiness, or emotional pain. 5. Have difficulty imagining a positive future or finding motivation to make changes.
Hopelessness can be triggered by various factors, such as:
– Traumatic events or experiences – Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression – Major life changes or losses (e.g., job loss, divorce, death of a loved one) – Feeling trapped in a situation or relationship – Lack of social support or connection
It’s essential to recognize that hopelessness is a treatable condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with hopelessness, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional, a trusted friend or family member, or a support group.”
With that definition out of the way, the next question in my mind is do I feel hopeless? In some ways yes, as in the short term I don’t see a lot of options besides saving and investing so I can retire early and build that off grid homestead out in the real wilderness. Yet it’s not an immediate dream – still nearly thirteen years away – but I save and invest every week and I’m constantly reading and learning.
I still feel in many ways trapped, stuck in New York State in my cold and miserable apartment. I do spend as many of my weekends as possible in the wilderness – state and national forest back country – yet it’s not the same and it’s now. And maybe it’s just a delusional dream not because of a lack of money or will power but because it doesn’t really exist. I mean I’ve seen a few both on YouTube and in person, toured that one back in college, yet all I ever see when I get another Zillow alert is another hideous suburban property covered with vinyl siding.
Everybody I know is buying that suburban house covered in plastic and saving it’s a good investment. Don’t you know homes appreciate in value. Renting is just pissing away money, but you need a place to live. But then I see the endless ads for plastic windows, roofersand gutters – not to mention kitchen remodels and new showers. As if I wanted to live in a place under constant construction with an enormous dumpster out back. It just seems like the typical suburban house is about buying more shit and ripping out and throwing away the old to the local dumping grounds across the river. Stock market is certain to be in the crapper at least for the next few years.
I think I’m playing the long game. But many say I’m playing no game at all. It’s all in my mind, it’s my mental illness speaking louder then reality. You’ll never escape New York State, you’ll work to your advanced age, stuck in that rundown apartment in Delmar, riding the city bus or taking your mountain bike to work every day. Year after year. You’ll be poor forever, as you pay one rent payment month after month as your building continues to rot away.
Yet, why settle for less when you can work hard, save and invest as much as possible, and build the off-grid homestead you really want with money you’ve saved and invested. Truth is if you buy land remote enough and build a simple enough structure it can be done. Equipment is expensive but money grows over time and you can acquire over time. Or rent for one time use. There are options besides the standard suburban home, whether it’s in a neighborhood that smells like cow shit or elsewise.
Fort Cassin, also spelled as "Fort Cassin," is a historical fort located in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, USA. It was constructed during the War of 1812, a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. The fort was named after Captain Lewis Cassin, a U.S. Navy officer who was killed in action during the War of 1812.
Fort Cassin was strategically positioned on Lake Champlain to defend against potential British invasions from Canada. It consisted of earthworks and wooden palisades, typical of fortifications of that era. The fort played a role in the defense of the northern frontier during the war.
One notable event involving Fort Cassin occurred in 1814 during the Battle of Plattsburgh. The British launched an invasion from Canada, aiming to capture key positions along Lake Champlain. American forces, including Fort Cassin's defenders, played a crucial role in repelling the British assault, contributing to the American victory in the battle.
After the War of 1812, Fort Cassin lost its military significance and fell into disrepair. Today, the site of Fort Cassin is preserved as a historic landmark, providing visitors with insights into the military history of the region and the role played by fortifications like Fort Cassin during the early 19th century.
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