I have pretty much given up on the news.
When I was younger, I was an avid BBC/SKY/Al Jazeera flittery viewer – it seemed really important to keep up with what’s happening, and try to get a balanced view.
These days I find myself avoiding it as much as possible (which is probably not very grown up of me), and research tells us that the less we watch the news, the happier we feel.
It’s actually designed alarm us – with the DUMM DUMM DUMM music and the dramatic cutaways.
Not watching the news is not the same as not caring about the World – there are far more effective ways to do that.
But… I did glance at an newspaper article today, admittedly not terribly important in global terms – but got my attention:
‘Great British Bake Off is Trashy’
It went on to say that essentially there is so much going on in the world that people should care about – and they are wasting their time on a show about cakes.
Here’s the thing; the News curates and brings us all of the bad stuff – that’s it’s job.
The very worst things from around the world, all squashed together in 20 minutes of stress.
But that’s not a fair representation.
The World is full of amazing people.
Massive acts bravery and gratitude.
Billions upon billions of tiny acts of kindness.
Time-stopping moments of people joining together and making the best memories of their lives.
People loyal beyond reason.
Personal connection that feels incredible.
Breathtaking works of art and music created to make us feel joy.
Carers and healers and those whose efforts go uncelebrated – JUST to make someone else feel better.
This is the real world we live in – where fun and happiness is the only important currency.
Your actions dictate your priorities.
Enjoying a sweet, funny show – that makes you feel a little better, rather than a stressful collection of all that is negative is never a waste of time – it shows that you prioritise feeling good.
Or a funny cat or cute baby video.
Same principle.
No guilt required.
It’s all good.
Like:
Taking 20 Minutes to walk in the woods, rather than finishing the ironing
Calling a friend for a giggle, rather than pairing socks
Choosing a day at the spa, instead of getting more new crockery..
Being happier makes even you live longer, a new report showed yesterday (I’ll get to that in another email).
It’s not frivolous but absolutely essential to realise that you deserve to have happiness in your life and that you have every right to grab it with both hands every chance you get.
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