"終わりが近づいているが、黙示録は長寿だ。"

Sometimes, things are coming to an end, but that doesn't mean the turmoil or the fallout from them will wrap up quickly. That's the gist of this thought. It's about recognizing that while you might see a finish line, the effects of what led up to it can linger on.

This idea can feel especially relevant in tumultuous times. Just think about history—remember the end of World War II? The fighting concluded in 1945, but the world didn't just snap back to normal. The aftermath stretched for years. Cities had to be rebuilt, economies restored, and countless lives readjusted to a new reality. The end of the war was just the beginning of a long recovery process.

For a real-life example, let's talk about a company going through bankruptcy. The decision to close up might get made quickly, but the consequences drag on. Employees lose their jobs, suppliers are left in the lurch, and the community around the business feels the ripple effects. It’s like throwing a big rock into a pond—the splash is immediate, but the ripples go on and on.

So, how do you apply this bit of wisdom in your own life? Start by accepting that big changes, even when they mark an end, often bring another set of challenges. When you're facing the end of something significant—a relationship, a job, a big project—prepare yourself for the aftermath. It helps to think ahead about what you might need to handle next. If you're breaking up with someone, don’t just focus on the breakup conversation. Consider how you’ll deal with the loneliness afterward or what changes you might need in your routine.

Imagine this: You're a college student about to graduate. The end of your academic journey is in sight, and you're excited. But after the ceremony and parties, reality hits—you need a job. The graduation was the end, but now you’re in the midst of “the apocalypse” of job searching, moving out, and adjusting to real-world responsibilities. It’s a new kind of chaos.

In short, remember that an ending isn’t a neat little period at the end of a sentence. It's more like the last chapter of a book that leaves you thinking long after you've closed it. Equip yourself mentally and emotionally for the long haul—acknowledge the end, but brace for the extended journey that follows. Sometimes, knowing that the “apocalypse” can drag on helps you better prepare and cope with whatever comes your way next.