I was talking with
a friend the other day and she made the comment, “It’s hard to stay positive
with all the negativity in the world.” She went on to say that she watches the
news every morning to stay abreast of current events. I think that’s admirable.
But it’s not for me.
I seldom watch the
news but, every morning when I turn on my computer, the big stories of the day
flash across my screen. I can decide whether or not to read them. Then, I sign
in to Facebook and I’m inundated with what’s currently going on in the world. I
can scroll past those posts or choose to read them. With few exceptions, I ignore all
of the above.
Why? Because I
think my friend’s statement is absolutely true and I don’t want any unnecessary
negativity in my life. Like most people, I have enough challenges in my little corner of the world, things that could and would steal my joy - if I let them. I don't need to take on any more. Too much negativity affects my writing productivity. A happy writer is a productive writer. At least in my case.
Many years ago, I made a commitment to myself to be happy and I’m determined to do everything I can to honor that commitment. If that means missing out on the latest plane crash, mass murder or other tragedy so be it! Terrible things have always happened and, unfortunately, they probably always will. My knowing about them won’t change that but it could put a damper on my day and my spirit.
Many years ago, I made a commitment to myself to be happy and I’m determined to do everything I can to honor that commitment. If that means missing out on the latest plane crash, mass murder or other tragedy so be it! Terrible things have always happened and, unfortunately, they probably always will. My knowing about them won’t change that but it could put a damper on my day and my spirit.
Each of us has to do whatever it takes to stay positive. What works best for you?
As a former journalist, it's difficult for me not to stay aware of the latest news. That said, like you, I can choose to read/watch what I want. Here's some advice on being happy: "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abraham Lincoln
ReplyDeleteJohn,
DeleteI remember (and agree with) that quote. Abraham Lincoln was a wise man!
Thanks for stopping by!
I think it's wonderful that you can do that, Pat. I, unfortunately, have always been a newshound. But I do choose what news programs to watch and which ones to avoid. And on FB I tend to ignore the posts/links that might be negative.
ReplyDeletePat,
DeleteAnd I think it's wonderful that you can watch the news and not let the negativity affect you.
As with most things in life, I guess it's "different strokes for different folks."
I watch the news every morning, or at least part of it. I have a "need" to know what's going on. However, when I turn it off, I busy myself with other things. Writing takes me away for awhile. It's good therapy, at least in my case.
ReplyDeleteMarja,
DeleteThat's what's great about writing - and reading. They both take us away for awhile. :)
I listened to a speaker talk about this, a man who spends his life involved with giving people a way to see through the debris and get clarity. He was asked if he avoided news, and he said no, he watched and listened to it, a lot, because it was a reminder to him to be present in the world, to do what he could from where he was. The difference was, he allowed himself to witness the negative news, but didn't absorb it. It was part of the world he lived in, so he could not ignore it. But it was also not his focus. His focus was on being his truest self, and doing what he loved, and living with clarity.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
DeleteThe speaker you mentioned makes a good point. Of course, we need to know about our world. But some people can watch the news every day and remain unaffected; others can't. I think each of us needs to do (or not do) what works for us.