What if the world was really about to end?

That was the question I asked myself as I headed to work this morning.

We’ve never been closer to this possibility in modern history. It’s unsettling to think about the major conflicts raging around the world and how openly they are now discussed in the media. We all share the same planet, yet our realities feel worlds apart. Fundamentally, this isn’t a political or economic question. It’s not even about power. It’s about love—and the profound lack of it.

I wonder: when did humanity lose its capacity to love? This is something I struggle to understand, especially because I come from a place where love was the foundation of everything. I grew up feeling loved by my family—and still do. My friends, my community—all of them embody love in some way. I was raised in the church and, despite all the valid criticisms we can raise about religion and human failings, one quote stayed with me: “Peace isn’t the absence of war but the presence of love.” I couldn’t agree more. Yet, it feels like our societal progress has been built on the mere absence of war rather than on actively fostering love.

Conflicts have always existed, but for a long time, controlled media kept these realities hidden—perhaps to serve certain interests. In this age of information, however, it has become nearly impossible to hide such cruelty. It feels like we are at a turning point. And while the situation might seem bleak, I believe this moment is one of hope—and action. It is a moment to be more understanding of others, to work to reduce suffering, and to adjust our habits for a more sustainable world. We can vote wisely, spend consciously, educate ourselves and others, advocate for what truly matters, and embrace those around us with greater empathy.

Erich Fromm once wrote in The Art of Loving that “everyone is born ready to love but not to love. To love requires practice.” I would add that it also requires courage—the courage to confront the narratives of power and division that have been ingrained in us since birth. These narratives tell us that progress for one comes at the expense of others. But a friend once told me, “Love is a choice.” I couldn’t agree more. In all its forms, love is a conscious decision. We choose to protect rather than destroy. We choose to nurture rather than neglect. We choose to share rather than exploit. It’s about deciding who we want to be and consistently making that choice, even when anger or frustration threatens to take over.

How do you manifest love in your life?

We always have a choice.

Lately, I’ve felt more emotionally challenged than ever before. Seeing misconduct, immorality, and unethical behaviour fills me with anger. It can be something as simple as trying to leave the Tube in the morning while people push their way in, or watching someone throw waste on the ground instead of in a bin. There are countless examples of misconduct that I could spend days listing. Yet, almost always, I try to choose the path that avoids conflict. It is not the easiest choice, but there is already more than enough conflict in the world.

We need to try something new. We can always choose to find a route to convergence—in our relationships, at work, and in every interaction we have. These are my micro-steps toward peace. What are yours? How do you make peace in your day-to-day life?

When discussing today’s conflicts, I often hear people say, “This is the only way,” as if unethical decisions that lead to death and suffering are inevitable. But there is always a better way. We have to believe that. Despite the rise of toxic positivity, there’s one sentiment I agree with: we are responsible for the reality we manifest. So, if I were blessed with one final choice, I would stand with those who keep faith alive, those who believe in a world where fraternity, compassion, and hope are possible—even if it sounds idyllic.

So, what if the world really were about to end? Could we still choose love over destruction? Could we be more fraternal and foster community? Share smiles, listen without judgment, and treat one another as equals? If the world truly were ending, I would choose to be my best self. I would fight to eliminate my prejudices, to be better, and to love fiercely.

I would share my belief, until my very last breath, that a sustainable, loving Earth is possible—and that it is up to us to make it real.

But what if the world isn’t ending?

What if it’s just about to begin again—built on love instead of fear? What would you do next?

I know what I would do: I would dance, I would sing, and I would choose love, announcing the dawn of a new time. I hope to see you there, painting this new picture with the beautiful colours of tomorrow.