Right off the top, let me tell you that the hat is no fashion statement. I'm simply covering up several months of very bad, very scary hair days. I know you understand!
Meanwhile, I think it's fair to say that we've all been forced to make a continuous series of decisions recently that we never thought we'd have to make.
Some of these choices have been vitally urgent and heartbreaking. Others have required a bit of flexibility and tolerance, the seeking of wise counsel and prayer. Some have given us relief, others have left us with a sense of deep loss or an incredible hopelessness.
And other choices we've made have been no-brainers, common sense, pure and simple.
*
I confess. I am a news / political junkie. From as far back as I can remember.
Since childhood I've learned to appreciate the intricacies, the responsibilities, and the fascination of the freedoms provided by our political system at the knee of my Dad, an immigrant to America.
I grew up with my father religiously watching The Huntley-Brinkley Report on our black and white TV as he ate a late supper at the dining room table after a long commute home from NYC. Born and raised in Scotland, he was enthusiastic in his allegiance to his new home country and always stayed up to date with the latest news and political events.
In his final years, my mom would print out the C-SPAN schedule for the day and he would plant himself on the sofa, glued to the TV, volume cranked up to ear piercing levels as he followed every political speech, vote, and happening, occasionally shouting at whoever happened to be speaking at the time.
So this is in my blood.
Over breakfast, for years, I've voraciously immersed myself in at least four news sites and attended to emails, texts, blogs, LinkedIn, the ever present phone firmly in hand. And then every evening my husband and I plopped ourselves down in front of the TV and watched a good 60 - 90 minutes of news and commentary.
With all the steadily building influx of 24 / 7 pandemic coverage, I began to notice a distinct grip of anxiety when the news came on. I ignored what my overstimulated body and fragile soul was whispering, fixated on the horrific reality unfolding in real time. And, no surprise, it wasn't long 'til panic came over me and screamed, 'enough is enough.'
And I simply said farewell to the evening news.
*
There are evenings I still hear our friend Lester Holt in the distance if my husband has the TV on. I may glance over if I'm walking by, but, after 60+ years, the evening news is no longer a part of my daily after dinner routine.
And then a few weeks later, I pretty much stopped looking at anything news-related on my phone as I ate breakfast.
Just like that.
It was a no-brainer. My body was saying no more. And I listened.
I haven't missed a thing. My husband and I still talk about what's happening but now our conversations center on the people in our lives and our community, not the latest press conference or numbers update or endless droning political opinions. I know enough of what's happening.
I've had no choice but to consciously opt to focus on what's pure and lovely and excellent and praise-worthy.
For my mental health's sake. For my soul's peace.
When we give up something that's not particularly good for us, we quickly need to replace it with a more wholesome option or it will come roaring back in to fill the uncomfortable void. These mornings, I head downstairs, light a vanilla candle {stress relief}, turn the pretty dining room candelabra on dim, and head off to brew a huge mug of decaf tea, pour a small bowl of Cheerios, grab an orange or maybe a hard boiled egg.
Some days I get some soft music playing. I'm in the process of creating more time to sit quietly with God's Word. I'm focusing on developing more purposeful Christ-centered meditation practices. I'm spending more time caring for my body ... a ten minute series of stretches to ease my back muscles and strengthen my core. Getting out for a walk whenever I stop making excuses not to.
I'm finally doing a bit of gardening. Indulged in a surprise burst of spring cleaning. Cooking here and there. Going along for the ride when my husband delivers groceries and meals to people. Connecting with the people I love. Caring for my mom.
In the evening, you'll find me reading or puttering or chatting with a granddaughter on WhatsApp. And yes, maybe putting my feet up with The Great British Baking Show or Chopped or Columbo reruns.
That's where I am right about now. Thanks to good medical care and a series of lifestyle changes and immersing myself in springtime's gift of warm sunshiny days when they come, my long gone energy has slowly been returning and I am feeling more myself again.
Thanks for the prompting to a smarter lifestyle, dear readers.
As you've shared your own hard won experiences and wise learnings, you've influenced some of my own recent decisions. Our Designing Your Morning Invitations dialogue, along the persistent, gracious nudging of the Spirit is propelling me forward to a healthier place.
What brilliant decisions are you making as we weather this challenging new season? Do tell ...
Linda
P.S.
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P.S.S.
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*
I'll see you at
I was a regular at keeping informed via news outlets in the early days of the pandemic. But like you, I've distanced myself from it these days. It's too much. I do try to keep up with our states ever changing descisions but other than that it's become as much of a virus as the actual virus. Thanks for sharing this here as I'm sure many are feeling the effects without realizing the cause. I'm enjoying finding good books from The Modern Mrs. Darcy's many lists and that's a much better way to stuff my brain ;) SO glad you're feeling better and your energy is being renewed.
ReplyDeleteDebby, you hit the nail on the head when you said, 'It's too much.'
DeleteAbsolutely.
There's only so much energy to go around for each day and we each have to figure out how best to use what we've been given.
Oh to be clearly aware of energy drainers more quickly and not hesitate to make the choices we need to make to be at our best.
For Him. For the sake of others.
You've been such an encourager along the way, friend. I thank God for you.
I understand the hat. I have taken to wielding the scissors to my mop lately. Each day brings one more day of corrections from the previous time. lol.
ReplyDeleteYour morning routine sounds so delightful. I've finally begun planting flowers, cleaning out the laundry room, and, yes, doing more puzzles. It does help me feel more like myself too. This abrupt change to our lifestyles required an adjustment period. Maybe we're adjusting. But will we have to adjust back when it's over? :) I do enjoy this low-key approach to life.
I've been thinking about wielding the scissors, too, Lisa. What a mess. But everyone's saying the same thing, so we're in good company!
DeleteI like what you said about adjusting. That really resonates with me. That involves grace toward ourselves and lowering our sometimes ridiculous expectations and chilling a bit.
Maybe one of the gifts from this nightmare will be that lower key approach to life that you mentioned.
I'd love that.
Linda, you've truly made the right choice for you in these trying times. I have to admit, I still follow the news, but not with the same obsession as I used to. I've learned to tune it out for the most part, choosing a good book or an episode of The Andy Griffith Show for my "Calgon, take me away" moments. And as for my hair? Yep, I'll be donning a cap pretty soon here. Oh, the roots!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend!
* sigh *
DeleteOh yes, the roots!
;-{
And yes, please to moderation instead of obsession. Amen, Martha.
My family was also very much new junkies. My brother became an editor for a prominent national newspaper even. I, though, was more immersed in the many special interest magazines that my parents subscribed to where political articles were more or less obsolete. But I did envy those (and still do who know politics more than I). Now as I listen to the daily news and try to catch our PM's daily update, I find myself tuning out and tuning into the light music radio station before the broadcasts end. It can get overwhelming. I'm glad you recognized how the news was affecting your overall health and took steps to be okay in letting the news go to do more for you that increased your energy, and overall quality of life! I hope more do the same that are experiencing news anxiety!
ReplyDelete'News anxiety' is the perfect phrase, Lynn.
DeleteAnd I'm guessing a great many people haven't got a clue how the endless 24 / 7 bombardment has become addictive and damaging to our brain health.
The fewer screens the better. And yes, please to light music. For sure!
Oh, what a good decision, Linda. I can just imagine the relief you must feel, reading the Word, rather than stressful and heartbreaking news. The vanilla candle is a nice touch too. I am glad to read you are being proactive in reducing anxiety.
ReplyDeleteI learned politics from my dad too, although we would now be at opposite ends of the political spectrum, I think. My dad was a politician for as long as I can remember, working to get out the vote and even holding a county office after he retired from his job. Thanks for bringing back good memories this morning!
Fascinating about your Dad, Laurie! Our parents' choices influence us {for good or not} more than we sometimes realize.
DeleteI'm glad your memories are good ones. Mine, too.
Meanwhile, let's light those vanilla candles!
Linda, I think you've made such a wise decision to limit your intake of the negative. I've also determined during this season to focus on what is good beautiful and true. (Phil. 4:8)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're beginning to feel better!
Don't you just love that whole Philippians 4 passage?
DeleteA beautiful, calming challenge for us all in this haywire season ... for sure.
I think it may have disappeared,
ReplyDeletemy old humanity,
for when I read of death and fear,
it's "Better them than me."
Perhaps it is the cancer,
or possibly the war;
I have no real answer
for this closed heart-door,
but there is perhaps a road,
and I see it dimly, how
I may help to ease the load
though my words are useless now.
I can smile, and step away
and pray the world a better day.
Ain't that the truth, Andrew. More often than not, being still beats endless wordiness and trite phrases. We need more smiles ... and certainly more faithful pray-ers.
DeleteAnd people who are tenderly empathetic.
Ah, my young friend, how much wisdom I see in this. I also see how we connect in many ways I had not known. My dad's family came to this country before the Declaration of Independence searching for freedom of faith and more and from my dad I gleaned a great love of history and all things political. One of the twinges of grief I felt after his death was the first election day without him. He invariably knew things about candidates and issues I had not seen and his counsel was invaluable. BUT some weeks ago I took a similar step, but in truth I had moved more in that direction before a virus named COVID 19 arrived. I no longer saw reporting that you and I grew up on and it became more evident all the time that trusting a news source could be a roll of the dice that stirred me up and left me empty. What news I take in often comes in small bites on Twitter that I can digest more easily so I am less likely to miss the drama, the big story, that is playing out in our midst behind the headlines that scream at us from every source and device.
ReplyDelete'Young friend.'
DeleteThat's cute, Pam!
I love your emphasis on 'small bites' of news instead of endless dramatic coverage and ridiculous debate. I like a simple email news update in the morning. And will probably check on something local later in the day.
There's enough drama and trauma going on in the world. I can't be a part of it and be of any good to myself or anyone else.
In the world but not of it?
I like to catch the radio news at the top of the hour once or twice a day. I love that it's just snippets and no commentary. I don't care for politics at all. My husband loves both news and politics, though. If I want more information, I'll either look it up or ask him. Thankfully, my husband doesn't listen to network news except when he's getting ready in the morning, and usually I am in another room riding my exercise bike then. I'll occasionally hear part of a news video he's listening to on his tablet while I'm making dinner.
ReplyDeleteI've always been that way, but I've found I do get more tense when I hear too much news now. I've even "hidden" some friends on FB for a while who talk about little else (I do this during election season, too). I love FB for keeping up with family (that's the only way I know anything about some of them) and some friends. But I've learned I can't possibly keep up with everyone I have ever known. So it's not a matter of not being able to handle people who don't agree with me--it's more a matter of too many voices. So I adjust my feed so as not to hear the excessively argumentative, etc.
I do feel better if I accomplish something during the day, but I am giving myself grace and trying to find the balance between not pushing myself at this time but maybe occasionally gently nudging.
Sounds like you've made some great choices. I agree with the wisdom of filling up the void of something you've removed with something else to take its place.
Barbara, yes please to 'snippets and no commentary.' Yes please to recognizing what makes us tense and figuring out a better way.
DeleteFewer voices, less argument, more peace, more thoughtful conversation.
And I'm with you ... all about occasional gentle nudging and not pushing myself beyond what I discern is wise. It's just that kind of season, isn't it ...
Praying that we will keep gazing on the Lord, and glancing at our circumstances.
ReplyDeleteHardest thing for me is that since March 9th I have not been allowed to visit Bud, my husband of 60 years, in a skilled care facility 3 miles from where I live with son, Joel, and his family.
Lifting everything to the Lord, and living by His grace, imperfectly.
Oh M, it's so good to hear from you again. My heart breaks for you and your dear husband. I'm praying for grace and strength for you both right now.
DeleteThis is a hard, hard trial. So incredibly heartbreaking, friend. I am so sorry.
Tim and I send our love to you both. You guys are the best.
xo
I'm so glad your energy is improving, Linda. I know I need "to consciously opt to focus on what's pure and lovely and excellent and praise-worthy." And I'm finding that in order to do that, I need to journal to God more instead of letting unresolved feelings pile up inside of me and overwhelm me. When I journal to Him, He helps me settle my heart on His infinite love and endless compassion even when I still don't understand all the feelings causing turmoil inside of me. I don't know why I procrastinate this journaling when it helps me. Thank you for sharing this wise insight with us and thank you also for the prayer you shared in the last post. I really needed it and have been sometimes rereading it since you posted it. Thank you for always being so caring and nurturing and never condemning our feelings. Love and blessings to you, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Trudy ... if there ever was a time to journal, this would be it. Not only so we can sort out our stuff in God's presence and see His answers in black and white, but also as a legacy to those who follow us of how we walked through this enormous challenge ... and what God invited us to in the process.
DeleteAnd yes, that prayer ...
Amen, yes?
From the very beginning, actually even before that, I left out the news. Too much media hype and untruth. I still ride my bike as often as I can even though the Y has been closed. I have been reading a lot. I've been listening to podcasts on leadership. I began doing what I am calling drive-bys. I drive into a person's driveway, pray for them, let them know I'm there and if they want to say come to the door or the porch. many have done so and even come out to talk. Others I leave a note on their door. I've been relaxed and peaceful through all of this. I have only God to credit for that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pastor!
DeleteHow blessed your people are, Bill.
What a huge gift ... those drive-bys, your very personalized prayers, your available presence.
No wonder you're relaxed and peaceful. You're focused on things above, not the latest newsfeed.
Admirable. Inspiring.
Hi Linda ... this is ellen (franzoso beforemy divorce)... you have been so instrumental in my life and I follow your blogs from time to time ... I've always loved your honesty and god fearing life ...
ReplyDeleteIn response to your blog today ... I moved to Florida almost 2 years ago and have been an primary elementary school teacher now 2 yrs here - however - like every where... we're ending our year remotely... this has given me an opportunity to spend more time with the lord in different ways than anticipated- as church as well is virtual ... I now have the opportunity to walk where I live - a 45 min walk that I utilize as my prayer time and opportunity to take in all of God's beauty and blessings that surround me ... its brought a peace that surpasses all understanding... I'm blessed as well to be part of 4 different bible groups of sorts weekly that have helped me to find that peace and to grow in my christianity... I was serving in divorce care and pandemic has put our gatherings on hold ... my son is a first responder in Westchester county as an ambulance chief...I pray for him and his family daily to have God holding them close and protecting them... I have a 5 year old and 2 1/2 yr old grandchildren in ny whom I adore and love facetime ... may everyone here, yourself Linda and families be blessed
It's so good to hear from you today, Ellen ... to connect here and via email. Thank you for sharing a snapshot of your life with our readers! God is so good, so faithful, and kind ...
DeleteBless you as you make your way through this pandemic, especially as an elementary school teacher. What a difficult challenge all you teachers out there are having.
Bless you, lovely lady.
I discovered some time ago that I must limit my viewing of.the news cycle. It was not healthy for me because I would get so stressed. My hubby and I never watch TV shows, only I would watch the news. Now I read, and I feel less stress!
ReplyDeleteReading is a great soother, a perspective changer, a lovely pastime, isn't it, Pam. I can't tell you how much I'm missing the library these days ... re-reading old favorites has become a calming bedtime habit in this season.
DeleteLove it.
The real key - replacing a deleted unwanted/unhealty habit with something better. Your morning routine sounds lovely. And relaxing:) (Just reading about listening to hours of news makes me nervous...I don't know how you did it!!)
ReplyDeleteYep, I had to learn the hard way, Jennifer. I can only hope that my story will encourage others to make wiser choices than I did.
DeleteGod's always in the redemption business, always growing us, always inviting us to something deeper.
I'm grateful.
I agree with you, Linda. Less news is by far the best thing right now. I'm enjoying more music, time with the Lord, and time with our special needs son. We watch Little House on the Prairie, play games, take walks. Days aren't always easy but I hope I remember to cherish the good times. Now if I can eat less, too! :) And do that walking I keep meaning to start up again. Thank you for this encouraging, practical post, Linda.
ReplyDeletePatty, welcome! I love the warm atmosphere you've been creating in your home. There's so much we can't control, but much we can still invest in.
DeleteOur homes, our havens ... we have the power to set the tone and cultivate a calm, loving atmosphere. By His grace.
Your wise words are well said.
I gave up the news a long time ago. It just was not feeding my soul. I read selected articles to keep up but I just can't handle the media hype. All that time has been replaced with doing things I've always wanted to do. Jake and I started a compost pile and it has been a learning experience for both. We started driving to Vassar College and doing walks with the puppy. We are planning a butterfly garden. Anything outside is better than inside with a screen. Although, with my eye condition, reading eBooks is my new friend (don't tell my coworkers!). Music is the staple in my house now and it does my heart good to hear the boys humming Christian music (or 70's) on their own. It is well with my soul..................
ReplyDeleteOh this is so true, Valerie ... 'Anything outside is better than inside with a screen.'
DeleteAbsolutely!
And let's hear it for puppies, butterflies, and music throughout the day.
P.S. I do love a good compost pile!
;-)
I tend toward oblivious when it comes to the news and politics, but I've noticed that when I do listen to reports these days there's a clenching that takes place somewhere in my gut that tells me I need to limit my exposure.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, we are blessed with good imaginations, and it doesn't take much thought to carry us into worst-case-scenario-thinking with all that's goiong on!
That whole 'worst-case-scenario-thinking' will be what does us in when all is said and done.
DeleteFor some of us it's been modeled for us in our early years and it's hard to completely shed that skin.
Sadly.
That's why I love / need / aim for Philippians 4:8!
I recently made a very similar decision, but I initially replaced the news with another distraction. Now I'm getting back into activities that serve me well like reading a book that's been collecting dust or finding online Bible study groups.
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl!
DeleteSuper!
me too! I glance at the headlines and maybe listen to the first few minutes. Maybe a little longer with the local news. but too depressing. Too maddening. Thinking today though I need to learn to let it go when I hear something that stirs my emotions. Or maybe not. will have to pray about that. You got me thinking, Linda!
ReplyDeleteA glance is good enough for me right about now, Jean. Maybe in time I'll change.
DeleteAnd maybe not.
And that might be one of the positive takeaways from this whole sad affair.
It appears God has a theme going Linda! You may enjoy "The Secret to Life" .
ReplyDeleteI had to make a very difficult decision this week, in "The word is Release". The hardest heat decision I've had to make... In a long time.
I'm glad you are feeling more yourself :-D
Bless you,
Jennifer
Jennifer, this seems to be a time for huge life decisions for so many of us. Our faith, our lifestyle, our relationships have all been put to the test.
DeleteAnd I don't believe it's all over. Not by a long shot.
Thankfully, God doesn't change like shifting shadows. Oh I am so grateful ...
Linda, this post is speaking all my love languages ... encouraging, practical, honest. I understand news-junkie DNA ... my dad sounds similar to yours, though his news source of choice was always the newspaper. :-) I'm so glad you made the connection between the news and how you were feeling, and that making the change has made all the difference. I'm doing my best to write some every day, and the girls and I are having a picnic at the lake every week. Oh, and we're learning how to make French macarons. Baking is therapeutic, even when it takes four tries to get something sort of right. :) Hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteA picnic at the lake with your girls. Lovely, lovely.
DeleteAnd even better with freshly baked goods, of course ... send some my way!
Bless you on this bittersweet Mother's Day, friend. God has kept you close to my heart.
It can all get so overwhelming for sure. As the weeks have gone on, I have learned when enough is enough. I want to be informed but not consumed by it all. My days are in His hands and in this I can trust. Linda, may you have a Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteJoanne! Your statement is brilliant ... 'I want to be informed but not consumed by it'
DeleteAbsolutely!
Believe it or not, I can make a tiny ponytail in my hair...in my eyes, hairdresser are essential.
ReplyDeleteI never could watch the news but by only reading news, I can control what I take in. I would be dead it I watched what you described in a day. Glad you escaped but am tougher than I.
Carol, you're right. It was an unhealthy obsession. I was foolish not to say 'no way' sooner.
DeleteA ponytail, huh?
Cute!
Way to go! I stopped watching the news as a broadcast a few years ago. I don't allow it to define my everyday reality and perspective about the world and people. Right now, more than every, I find myself cutting back on only the essential information I need to know through our local government announcements.
ReplyDeleteEssential info. I like that, Kathreen. And when all is said and done, it's amazing how little 'essential' we really need.
DeleteGood food for thought, friend ...
Thanks for sharing. I am off facebook for a season for much the same reason. I want to stay connected but all the posts were making me stressed. When my computer broke and can't be fixed til we get stateside, it was the perfect excuse not to do facebook on the one I am borrowing. I can still catch up with friends in other ways.
ReplyDeleteTJ, I just spoke with someone last night who was getting tempted to stay off FB because so much of what she was reading was strident and obnoxious and opinionated.
DeleteYou sound wise. We need to discern far earlier when something is stressful and create strong boundaries. Thanks for the gentle nudge in that direction!
Linda - Wow, you were watching a great deal of news. I am so glad you found a healthy balance. When something happens in our world, many times I find myself glued to the tv or my news app. Thank you for sharing with us, at Grace & Truth Link-up. You have inspired me and I am sure many others to at least take a look at our new watching. You post was the most clicked during the month of May. I will be featuring it this Friday on Embracing the Unexpected | Grace & Truth Link-Up.
ReplyDeleteMaree, hi! And thanks for the shout out. I think lots of us have been pushed to reevaluate who we are, what we value, and how we spend our precious energy.
DeleteMay we please Him by our decisions.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI applaud you on making such a resolute decision! I've divorced myself from the "news" for a long time. I may briefly scan my phone for headlines just so I know if anything world changing has happened, but for the most part I stay away. My mom, however, is a news junkie and she would tell me the latest and I found my anxiety rise and my heart beat faster as she got worked up in relaying the latest news. I finally had to tell her that I didn't want to get into in depth discussions about it and I encouraged her to dial it back. Even second hand, a steady diet of the "new" can hurt our emotional and physical health. I wholeheartedly agree...focus on what is lovely, pure, right, true, ....
Blessings,
Bev xx
You have so beautifully captured the truthful essence of this too common obsession, friend.
DeleteBev, your wisdom is so very evident. I'm grateful you're here ...
Wonderful message, Linda. I had to also stop watching the news, reading the news on my local channel's Facebook page, and listening to it on the radio. Christian meditation, God's Word, and being in the Lord's presence has become a refuge for me. And going outdoors on walks and hikes with my husband, the great outdoors, has been real therapy for my soul to be in nature and God's creation.
ReplyDeleteKaren, hi!
DeleteYour word 'refuge' brings comfort and peace and a right perspective to this ongoing conversation.
Love it.