Defying Capitalism
2020 has been a weird year – that goes without saying. And yet, despite the pandemic, and thousands of lives lost, jobs disappearing, food shortages, lockdowns, mental health issues rising and the all-round vibe of feeling a bit knackered, capitalism has still been tapping the toes of its boots ($29.99, made in a factory that absolutely does not support its workers, let alone the environment) impatiently, demanding we “make the most of this time”.
When I first heard that statement earlier this year, I was livid. It was during lockdown 1 in Victoria and everything was up in the air. People were stressed, and finally taking the virus seriously, and finally freaking the fuck out.
We had no idea what the year would have in store for us, how soon this nightmare would all be over. We were starring in one of those doomsday films only we were all main characters and all equally clueless.
And yet, despite this chaos, this pain, this fear, there was a group of well meaning people on the internet encouraging us to make the most of it.
Write that novel! Work out everyday! Have Zoom parties! Maximise your time spent at home! Use your commute time to work! Never turn your phone off! Be available always! Who needs a day off when you’re working from home! Don’t have a job? Start a business! YOU MUST BE PRODUCTIVE, RESTING IS FOR LOSERS!
I honestly could’ve punched those people in the face. At a time of peak anxiety, with so many sick or with their lives in limbo, we were being told to block out everyone and everything (admittedly slightly easier to do in lockdown) and WORK WORK WORK.
Now, I would’ve been equally as pissed if this hustle propaganda was being sprouted in any other year (and it is, and this is why I meditate) but in 2020? Fuck man, give us a bloody break.
I am grateful that I knew myself well enough not to fall for their toxic bullshit – this would not be an Ariel and Ursula situation, no sir – and unfollowed the accounts, limited my screen time (well, attempted to) and stayed in my own fucking lane.
Did I create a lot of magical stuff during this pandemic? Yes. Somehow I did. But did I ever think to brag about it, or force that narrative upon other creatives, ultimately leading them to feel shit about their own work pace, or lack of? Fuck no.
I minded my own business and quietly shared my wins, outlining the privileges and circumstances that led me to achieving them. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything at all, but I wanted to offer hope to other creatives that we could still make magic, on our own terms, if we wanted to.
I bring this up today because capitalism’s narratives and conditioning have an iron strong grasp on all of us – whether we know it or not. It manifests in strange and subtle ways but it is undoubtedly present, and an evil that we have to actively work against time and time again.
Every day that I show up and choose to have a slow morning (again, a huge privilege that is a result of the business I’ve built, which has been designed to support my ideal lifestyle) and not jump on emails or socials or reply to messages, is a fuck you to capitalism.
I actively choose to set my days up with a morning ritual that focuses on self evolution and care, rather than diving into work and being available the second I open my eyelids.
I recognise that this isn’t an option for everyone, but surely you can steal even 10 minutes of your morning just for you? Or set a boundary of no emails after 7pm? Or put your phone in another room while you’re eating dinner with a loved one?
We have the power to create our days as we’d like. I won’t go into that now because it’s a whole other topic, but we do. And once you realise the power that you have, the easier it is to say nah to the insane expectations of capitalism, and yes to life. Yes to freedom. Yes to joy. Yes to peace. Yes to abundance. Yes to rest.
I feel like I need to put a warning in these posts that they might not make sense, but I honestly don’t care at this point. My views are just that – mine. I encourage you to take what feels right and leave the rest. You have the power to make up your own mind.
Love, Viv