Rabbit in the Headlights

Apathy is the slowest form of violence a person can inflict on themselves. Having something to care about, a purpose to follow through on, constantly bettering ourselves through reflection; without these things we are sure to hurt ourselves sooner or later. As is usually the case with slow forming problems, when you eventually realize you're neck high and sinking in shit you can find yourself either giving up or panicking. Apathy is what allows these problematic roots to weed their tentacles into the rawest corners of our lives and take hold.

So where does the violence come in. It's the realization, that split second when everything is alright to that next one when it's not. A punch in the face comes out of nowhere and heals quick; a slow cancer hides until discovered and then ruins more than just your day. The undoing, unraveling of all understanding doesn't slowly fade, it utterly devastates. The rabbit in the headlights isn't slowly put to sleep, it is brutally sent to the abyss. Anyone who thinks not caring will save them from hurt is either only kidding themselves or on a deeper level enjoys the pain, which is entirely plausible.

All hope is not lost. With slow forming problems and habits, there are always warning signs. If you find yourself recognizing them for what they are you're already on the first step to anti-apathy. Paying attention to these signs already shows a level of action most people kidding themselves have yet to take. The earlier you take the steps, the softer the blow will be. If you find yourself wondering about what decision to make, that's still effort.

The danger is deciding to do nothing, to watch the light at the end of the tunnel get closer not realizing that at the other end of that light is darkness.