Chapter 1: The Storyteller's Legacy

In my family, storytelling is a cherished tradition. My grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles would come together at every gathering, recounting tales from the past. These narratives were rich with adventure, covering experiences from World War II, the Great Depression, encounters with infamous figures like Pretty Boy Floyd, and even Vietnam. They shared stories that oscillated between love and dark humor—tales of mishaps that left us all laughing.

As these stories circulated, they often evolved, with different family members chiming in with their versions and additional details. I absorbed it all, yearning for my own chance to shine. How would I have coped in a war scenario? What would it be like to confront a bank robber, or to have the courage to escape home at eight years old? I craved an opportunity to be heroic in a world that often felt mundane. I believed there was something extraordinary within me, just waiting for the right moment to emerge.

Social media acts as a modern-day storyteller, akin to that boisterous relative who insists on sharing grand tales. It dazzles us, providing a fleeting sense of happiness to those who post, but it often leaves the rest of us feeling unfulfilled. We experience a momentary boost of dopamine, urging us to crave the lives we see showcased online, yet those lives remain tantalizingly out of reach. Thus, we find ourselves idle, longing for something catastrophic to shake our existence.

The first video explores the concept of a zombie apocalypse and its potential appeal, suggesting that it might not be as disastrous as we think. It delves into the reasons why such a scenario captivates our imagination.

Chapter 2: The Call for Chaos

We consume stories from friends, families, and media, all meticulously crafted to resonate with us. Yet, there is an underlying desire for disruption—something to jolt us from our complacency. We yearn for dramatic events: lightning strikes, toxic spills, earthquakes, hurricanes, or even a zombie apocalypse.

Living through a Zombie Apocalypse (ZA) could serve as a profound test for survivors. It represents a "before and after" scenario, where previous concerns become irrelevant. In fact, about 14% of Americans have formulated actual survival plans, inspired by the CDC's own zombie preparedness guide. The roots of zombie folklore can be traced back to Haiti in the 1600s, often tied to themes of slavery. Moreover, the modern zombie narrative might stem from our collective subconscious grappling with mortality in the wake of events like Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

So what draws us to this idea? It's about a fresh start. Humans are inherently tribal and thrive in structured societies, yet these systems often fail when populations exceed a certain size, leading to hierarchy and inequality. The apocalypse, in contrast, offers a level playing field. There would be no taxes, no laws, no rents, and no jobs—just survival. Life would be stripped to its essentials: feeding oneself and one’s community. This scenario aligns with our primal instincts.

In times of crisis, people often unite, showcasing the best of humanity as they work towards a common goal. It’s reminiscent of Whitney Houston's stirring performance of the National Anthem during the first Gulf War—a moment that inspired many.

The second video showcases a humorous take on acquiring zombie apocalypse gear from Wish, highlighting our fascination with survival in a light-hearted manner.

Chapter 3: The Unique Path to Survival

While you may not feel extraordinary, you possess a unique voice and a lineage of survivors in your DNA. Each day that you show up and do what needs to be done, you demonstrate resilience. There’s a certain magic in routine and persistence—the seemingly mundane tasks can lead to significant breakthroughs over time.

As we commit to our goals through daily actions, an invisible force begins to support us, as if the universe conspires in our favor. The journey may not always be exciting, but it’s essential for personal growth. As Steven Pressfield notes in "The War of Art," the act of showing up consistently sets powerful changes into motion.

When the zombies come knocking at your door, you'll be ready. However, the true test of your character is happening right now. It embodies the essence of an existential crisis, challenging you to engage in small, meaningful actions every day.

Write that story. Make that sales call. Conduct your research. Take a walk around the block. Your aspirations are constructed from these incremental steps. There’s no need to wait for an apocalyptic event to inspire a purposeful life. Embrace the work now, or risk stagnation in the future.