Living in Denial

Do you ever get worn down by the constant whining and complaining over the little things?  It’s not just on a personal level, but the 24-hour news machines pump out the negative drivel at such high velocity that it’s difficult to keep up sometimes.  A week ago I decided to ignore all news and negativity to the best of my ability and see how much difference it would make in my life.

I was amazed.

I admit it was difficult to ignore it all completely with social media delivering the latest headlines to my phone, the radio keeping me informed of the latest bitch session conducted by some talking-head political pundit.  But I tried to keep it out, block it from my consciousness.  It was a war I would eventually lose, but only by a very small margin.

On a personal level I already have a no whiners policy as an attempt to keep the negative people out of my life, so it was fairly easy to avoid those who think the world needs to hear every negative comment that passes through their mind.  Sure, there were still some complaints and whines that slipped through...but I was ready for them and quickly shut them down.  

Only a few hateful words slipped passed my defenses.

So a week has passed and I have not missed the news, nor have I once wished I could hear someone drone on about the trivially mundane as if it was the beginning of the apocalypse.  In fact, I have noticed that there are far more good and positive things going on around me without the constant stream of ick.  

I’ve discovered there are thousands of interesting things to read about on-line that don’t include politics or headlines about Kim Whatsherface saying something stupid.  Those truly positive and informative sites that I’ve rarely had time to visit were given my full attention, and I think I’m better because of it....if not happier.

It was a vacation for my soul and it is one which I plan to continue occasionally to ensure I don't end up as one of these full-time downers. I may be living a lie by pretending the world isn’t falling apart little by little, but I believe I’ll have far more energy to help those who are going through a a rough patch and need some positive attention, or a kind word.  I have more of that now. 

And maybe, just maybe...I’ll even some energy left to take care of myself.