i do flip flop from thinking my privilege allows me to switch off when so many don't have that luxury to how does me compromising my mental health help anyone.
I read because I feel I shouldn't shirk reality but it doesn't help my day and those within my day. Best to continue as I mean to go on - quietly if I can.
During lockdown and Sarah's cancer battle, I made the conscious choice to unsubscribe from all news "digest" emails. Daily, they were jammed with misery and panic, and I certainly didn't need any more of that. Yes, there are terrible things happening out there, but is it healthy to expose -even immerse - oneself in that regularly? I don't think so. So, although I'm not as "on the ball" with current affairs as I used to be, I certainly haven't regretted my choice in the slightest.
The way I see it, a calm, positive you is much more useful to people who need your help.
And I might add that at the time, Sarah's approach and yours in her support were absolute shining lights. Flaring beacons in tough times. Love and best, GD.
I think its hard when you read what is happening around the world, but much of it we can't do anything to change it we don't have the power to do so.
I am happy with "my lot in life" and accept the limitations I have and keep plodding along doing what makes me happy. If we can be kind and help people where we can, then that to me makes up for things that we really can't change.
Of course I understand this completely, Prue - my partner is an absolute news fiend and I have had to put myself on a total news fast since I am otherwise haunted by it AND it doesn't change anything in the end. It is definitely not the ostrich syndrome, my friend, just being sensitive and tender hearted which we could frankly, all do with a bit more of! Love that you took the time to write this post especially - and also to share Tom's really perfect descriptions with us. Hugs to you and The Terrier (and SO sorry to hear of his health woes but I know his Terrier Tenacity will shine through and propel him through any upcoming challenges! xo P.S. As I have said before, the Full Moon is never an ally when feeling a bit wobbly and has much to answer for ... and it is VERY full tonight ...
Count me out of anyone who would think you "naïve in wanting to read only gentleness and compassion." Hopelessness is soul-sucking, especially when we feel powerless to change it. It takes a certain kind of resistance to go on hoping when so much of what we are presented with is dark. And I think part of that resistance is in actively seeking information that reminds us of the promise and possibility of being alive. It's okay to tap out on occasion, and I see that as different from denial. Self preservation is not the same as willful ignorance. Carry on!
Hi Prue, My thinking aligns with yours. I've been focusing on the "darkness of the world" and am making a conscious decision to find and add lightness, humor, and kindness in my posts. I think it is the only way we can keep calm and carry on.
Your post touched me deeply, Prue. I too believe in hopefulness, and prefer to focus on all the beauty and goodness there is to be found around us—and I’m also fine if that’s hippy-ish!
I' m so touched by the responses of everyone, Susan.
I was saddened by what I read in that aforementioned post over the weekend and this little post of mine was the only way I could re-order my day, never thinking that people would respond with like thoughts and emotions.
How many more of us are there out there? How wrong are media outlets and certain groups to think all we want is drama and doom. How much of it all is planned political pressure upon us so that we crack and allow the storm-troopers to walk over us?
As I sit here listening to blackbirds singing in the Manchurian Pears outside my window, I think to myself this is what the doomsayers are missing, and I feel for them.
I asked my husband what he would like me to give him for Christmas and he ruefully said, 'World Peace.' I suspect I shall have to give him a hippy headband instead...
this online world (or is it just the world in general????) is wearing me down, it feels so bleak.
Thank you for your little sprinkles of kindness and joy
Yes, it is bleak and angry. Which is why I reacted the way I did.
Let's stick together, Kate. The more of us who believe in goodness and peace, as hippy-ish as that sounds, the better!
double post then double delete...ooops
i do flip flop from thinking my privilege allows me to switch off when so many don't have that luxury to how does me compromising my mental health help anyone.
I understand.
I read because I feel I shouldn't shirk reality but it doesn't help my day and those within my day. Best to continue as I mean to go on - quietly if I can.
quietly and spreading kindness and compassion surely counts for way more than reading, ranting or just inward stewing
Thank you for this. I think it's important to rid ourselves of negative influences, so in my opinion you've done the right thing: much healthier
Thank you, Terry. Some might see me as an ostrich. So be it.
Cheers!
During lockdown and Sarah's cancer battle, I made the conscious choice to unsubscribe from all news "digest" emails. Daily, they were jammed with misery and panic, and I certainly didn't need any more of that. Yes, there are terrible things happening out there, but is it healthy to expose -even immerse - oneself in that regularly? I don't think so. So, although I'm not as "on the ball" with current affairs as I used to be, I certainly haven't regretted my choice in the slightest.
The way I see it, a calm, positive you is much more useful to people who need your help.
That's it exactly, Gordon.
Calm, grounded and I felt the best sense of release when I cut free.
It's nature, gardens and the sea for me. And laughter. Lots of laughter with the ones I love.
And I might add that at the time, Sarah's approach and yours in her support were absolute shining lights. Flaring beacons in tough times. Love and best, GD.
I think its hard when you read what is happening around the world, but much of it we can't do anything to change it we don't have the power to do so.
I am happy with "my lot in life" and accept the limitations I have and keep plodding along doing what makes me happy. If we can be kind and help people where we can, then that to me makes up for things that we really can't change.
Beautifully put, Libby. Wish we could have a cup of tea and cake.
Wouldn't that be wonderful. I'd love that xxx
Of course I understand this completely, Prue - my partner is an absolute news fiend and I have had to put myself on a total news fast since I am otherwise haunted by it AND it doesn't change anything in the end. It is definitely not the ostrich syndrome, my friend, just being sensitive and tender hearted which we could frankly, all do with a bit more of! Love that you took the time to write this post especially - and also to share Tom's really perfect descriptions with us. Hugs to you and The Terrier (and SO sorry to hear of his health woes but I know his Terrier Tenacity will shine through and propel him through any upcoming challenges! xo P.S. As I have said before, the Full Moon is never an ally when feeling a bit wobbly and has much to answer for ... and it is VERY full tonight ...
Thanks Sue, for the understanding.
My husband is a news fiend too but even he is becoming tired - he says he wants to bloom. So we are devising new strategies.
And damn the moon! The trouble is we're in a week of seamist and mizzle and can't see it!
PS: the Terrier is coming to terms very quickly with advancing blindness - such a tenacious little thing he is. Nothing can hold him down!
Count me out of anyone who would think you "naïve in wanting to read only gentleness and compassion." Hopelessness is soul-sucking, especially when we feel powerless to change it. It takes a certain kind of resistance to go on hoping when so much of what we are presented with is dark. And I think part of that resistance is in actively seeking information that reminds us of the promise and possibility of being alive. It's okay to tap out on occasion, and I see that as different from denial. Self preservation is not the same as willful ignorance. Carry on!
Validation!!!! XXXX
A great approach, Prue. To use a gardening analogy, pruning is necessary for a garden to flourish. 🌱🌞♥️
A perfect analogy, Rebecca. Thank you.
Hi Prue, My thinking aligns with yours. I've been focusing on the "darkness of the world" and am making a conscious decision to find and add lightness, humor, and kindness in my posts. I think it is the only way we can keep calm and carry on.
Your post touched me deeply, Prue. I too believe in hopefulness, and prefer to focus on all the beauty and goodness there is to be found around us—and I’m also fine if that’s hippy-ish!
I' m so touched by the responses of everyone, Susan.
I was saddened by what I read in that aforementioned post over the weekend and this little post of mine was the only way I could re-order my day, never thinking that people would respond with like thoughts and emotions.
How many more of us are there out there? How wrong are media outlets and certain groups to think all we want is drama and doom. How much of it all is planned political pressure upon us so that we crack and allow the storm-troopers to walk over us?
As I sit here listening to blackbirds singing in the Manchurian Pears outside my window, I think to myself this is what the doomsayers are missing, and I feel for them.
I asked my husband what he would like me to give him for Christmas and he ruefully said, 'World Peace.' I suspect I shall have to give him a hippy headband instead...
I love the way you’re planting the seeds of positivity—it was wonderful to know there are many like-minded folks out there!
I’m envious of your blackbirds! I hope you’ll enjoy their sweet and hopeful song for both of us 😊