When you watch the news and see current events—especially
what’s happening in our country—it is completely normal to feel nervous. There
is so much restlessness about the price of food, gas, and the potential for
war. However, we must remind ourselves of a few things when dealing with these
issues.
Remember: In life, you can only control what is within your
control. Unfortunately, people in high places don’t always care about working
people, no matter how many times they tell you they do. We get a vote, which
often feels like an illusion of choice. And although we are told how great
things are, we see families starving, kids being shot in schools, and a deep
division among citizens. It is heartbreaking.
Many of these things are out of our hands. We tend to get
upset, but we have to ask ourselves: are we upset about what is happening, or
because we feel powerless to change it? We shouldn’t just lay down and give up,
but if we can't take immediate action, overstressing is like drinking poison
and expecting others to get sick.
Your anger and fear won’t change the world. The only thing
you can change is how you deal with it. You can change your perception. You can
change your surroundings. Most importantly, you can practice mindfulness and
understand that where you are right now, in this very moment, is a beautiful
thing. Instead of stressing about where you could be, learn
how to enjoy where you are.
There are so many devices designed to keep us emotionally
attached to the news cycle. We don't have to be slaves to them. We can notice
they are there without constantly checking them. That is a form of control
you can take to mitigate the fear of the unknown.
Do your best. Be good to people. Respect opinions, even when
you disagree. Build things together. And work on the most important project of
all: being your best self day-to-day.
NMF
M
