Friday; February 20

          When you open your social media accounts, what do you expect to see?  When you turn on the news, what do you expect to hear? 

          The other day, after opening up my Facebook page, I caught myself scrolling down to the posts that tended to make me irritated.  If I was being honest, I probably am more apt to read a news article that I know will get me fired up.  Doesn’t that seem odd to you that I would linger more on things that aggravates me more than find something that will bring me peace and comfort?  I don’t know that I used to be that way, but I think that it just goes to show how easy it is to choose the slide that leads to a pit of muck and mire.  I don’t necessarily “like” it, but I do find myself doing it. 

          So, what can I do about it?  First, I need to make a conscious effort to find (and READ) things that uplift me.  Weaning off social and national media probably isn’t the answer – I need to stay informed.  What I need is to avoid posts and articles that lead with emotion not facts.  (Often, reading how the headline is written can tell us where the story is heading.)  Second, I need to have a purpose for using social media or checking out national news.  Scanning the headlines a couple of times day should suffice in helping know what is going on.  Finally, I need to invest my emotional energy in things that make me happy.  We are heading into my favorite sports season of the year – baseball.  I like reading “good news stories”.  I enjoy seeing the good guys win.  By spending time on sites that promote these kind of events my blood pressure should decrease and my contentment will improve.

          Do you want to join me in reworking the time we spend with the media?  Maybe if we work together, we can feel better and shine a brighter light on those who need our help to get out of their ruts.

Think About It!

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