Advice Column

Helpful Hints and Tips to keep you Alive in the Apocalypse

Have you ever wondered how you would fare if you were ever stuck in an apocalyptic wasteland of what you used to call your planet? Well, today, I'm going to give you some advice that may prove helpful if you ever find yourself in this situation. First, you need to figure out what the problem is, whether it is the aftermath of natural disasters, meteors/comets, or even a worldwide economic meltdown. No matter what the cause is, the result will always be the same. The earth will be a shell of its former self, with its inhabitants reduced to scavenging for scraps in order to survive. Probably some the most important aspects of survival are to obtain water, food, and find any means to protect yourself; weapons, shelter, and even location. But even more important than these physical items is love and companionship. If you're in this situation with a loved one, it is very important to make sure that they don't see your weakness or fear, because chances are that they are probably counting on you to lead the way. You have to keep high morale so that the people dearest to you will still be willing to trudge on, and find some sort of safe haven. Sometimes the most important things in life aren't objects, but rather love, friendship, and perseverance.

In The Road, you see a lot of these components with me and my father. He always taught me to carry on, no matter how bad things got. He taught me the importance of perseverance and the importance of "carrying the fire". That's what I would recommend you doing when presented with this situation; find something to cling to that gives you hope. For me, that was finding the good guys, who also "carried the fire". Whether that be hanging on for a loved one, finding a safe haven, or even just wanting to stay alive, make that ideal be what you cling on to and give you the will to survive. As long as you still have hope, you stand a better chance at riding out the apocalypse than someone who doesn't have hope.