I’m Giving it Up
I’ve made a decision that for two weeks I’m going to stay away from information that I can’t do anything about and that stays in my mind and haunts me.
Let's Talk...
Every morning, I get up and read the New York Times online. Depending on the day, I might spend thirty minutes going through the paper, picking out articles that are interesting and then another thirty minutes checking email. My next brush with reality is usually around 5:00 or 6:00 when I watch the local news, and then national news. A lot of what I read and hear is horrific and it stays with me all day. I want to change that.
Like most adults, I want to be informed about what is happening in the world; but it seems that over the last decade, nothing makes it to the front page unless it’s war, violence or hatred. I’m not going to stick my head in the mud and pretend it isn’t happening, but I’m no longer going to let it lead my thoughts throughout day.
New York Times Photo from Syria
So for the next two weeks I’m not going to watch the news or read the paper.
The best part of this is that I’ll miss the rest of the Republican mess that seems to be everywhere. By the time I drop back in, it might be settled and I won’t have to hear any more lies.
I’ll keep you posted about how it’s going and maybe I’ll come back with some new insights about the good things that are happening in the world.
Have a good week and we’ll talk soon.
Comments
Feb 27, 2012 at 8:09 amed Lovern: Congratulations! Our nearly universal addiction to "news" has always amazed me. Almost none of it affects us, and we can affect far less of it. We read, watch, and listen to meaningless drivel mostly out of an insatiable curiosity. And a need to store up topics for conversations that are often just as meaningless.
How's that for Monday morning cynicism?
Your lovin' cousin, Ed
Feb 27, 2012 at 11:08 amMahalie Stackpole: I stopped reading the news after I read about Lybian conflicts involving rebels randomly taking children's hands off as a "show of power". It's just too much. I decided unless I was going to pack off and do missionary work that it didn't do much good to sit around in an office tower with my latte and fancy clothes feeling sorry for people who would love to have my life for even a day. I decided to enjoy my life instead and to make the world better where I can, where I am.
I don't intend to follow news closely again until I'm burdened with copious stacks of cash that need donating and I feel I need to be informed about where to put it.
Feb 27, 2012 at 4:03 pmJoanne Reece: I am as frustrated as you about the plight of wanting to stay informed about truly important news, but as prone to dwell too long, as you seem to be, from the negative emotional impact the plethora of bad things here and everywhere, and mud slinging that is so widely reported. We frequently "take leave" of all things current news whenever we travel. Far more refreshing is to pick up a very good book and bury yourself in a wonderful, insightful novel or fascinating non-fiction selection. Bravo to you for the "break" you are giving yourself.
Feb 27, 2012 at 4:54 pmPam Schell: I think that is a great idea. When we travel we drop out of the news cycle and come home and don't feel we have missed anything. We have lived lots of years full of needless guilt (and some useful); we owe our time now to appreciate what we have. We don't know why we are so lucky to have such a wonderful life but let's not spoil our days. But of course do what we can to help others and their is plenty of opportunity near home.
Feb 29, 2012 at 3:20 pmsandie Pope: Oh, I'm so glad there are others that feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. I have to admit that I have sneaked a look at the front page of the NY
Times, but I didn't stay for long. It's amazing how it pulls you in. I'm going to stay with this for awhile and see how I feel.
Thanks for the comments.