Politics – Dave Glardon

Good morning! I hope your day is off to a great start, and building toward an awesome weekend! Now, let’s dive into a topic most of us tend to avoid because, on the surface, it smells a little like politics. Rest assured, this is not political. That’s not my style. But I do think we need to consider the effect 24-hour news can have on our emotional and spiritual health.

With all that’s transpired over the past several months, especially these past few days and weeks, it’s hard not to become obsessed with the news. I know people, including my own daughter, who intentionally avoid current events, just to preserve their own sanity. I get it. News can be disheartening, if not downright infuriating. And who wants to watch this stuff all day?

But let’s be real. We should all try to maintain at least a basic awareness of what’s going on around us. I’ve mentioned hurricanes that are threatening my daughter’s home, and more than once she’s asked, “What are you talking about?” Avoiding news is one thing, but we can’t just live in a media vacuum, especially when there are things we need to know to protect ourselves. Agreed?

I try to take a more measured approach. I catch up on the news once a day, maybe more if there’s a developing story. Right now, in my hometown of Tucson, an elderly woman is missing from her home in a story that’s captured global news. I pray for a happy outcome, though I do check the news from time to time to see if there have been any updates.

That said, media obsession is becoming an alarmingly potent force in our society, and I’ve seen a lot of friends fall into that abyss. News, especially politics, can completely consume our thoughts to the point that nothing else can creep in. And when we take those thoughts to work, or church, or social media, or family dinners, we find ourselves embracing the abyss instead of trying to climb back out.

It’s impossible to see anything and not have an opinion on it. That’s your brain processing input and applying your own personal values to it. But let me ask a question. When was the last time you got anybody on social media to change their mind about anything? Or live and in-person, either? I don’t have enough old calendars to go back that far. Do you? If so, we need to talk.

When we obsess over the news and our opinions about it, the only people who pay attention are others who also obsess over the news and already think like we do or are firmly on the other side. We can point out hypocrisy, pass judgment, or call people names. It may make us feel better for the moment, but it does nothing to advance our cause. In fact, most times it has the opposite effect.

By all means, be aware of the world around you. That’s healthy. Discuss your concerns with people who care and may be able to help shape your perspective. Then back away. Find something else to occupy your mind, something that stimulates your mind and body. Play with the kids. Sit on the porch. Take the dog for a walk. Or binge your favorite TV show. Anything to reclaim your mind.

Tune in long enough to see if anything warrants your immediate attention and then zone out. The news will continue just fine without you. Trust me. If you want to take an active role in shaping the news, get involved. Write or call your elected representatives. Draw up a poster and participate in peaceful protest. Record events from a distance that’s safe for you and everyone else.

Then hang up the phone, go home, and do something that restores your mind, body, and soul. Focusing our entire being on things we can’t change won’t fix anything. There’s more to life – enjoy it. And always remember the Serenity Prayer – “God grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom always to know the difference.”

This is my prayer for each you, my friends – today and every day. Please share your thoughts in the comments. I’d really like to hear from you. Meanwhile, have a safe and happy Friday, and an even better weekend!

Good morning, and happy Hump Day! I hope your day is off to a nice start.

Before we start, I’m experimenting with different days of the week to post my writings, hoping to find the best time for you folks to receive and (hopefully) enjoy them. I can read site analytics, but I’d rather hear from you. What’s your preference? Once a week? Which day? Would you like me to try some smaller pieces twice a week? This is all for you, so let me know!

We’ve seen a lot over the past few weeks, ranging from wildfires decimating Los Angeles to heavy snowfall in places like New Orleans. A cease-fire has been negotiated between Israel and its neighbors, and here in the US a new administration is taking the helm. It’s been a whirlwind year so far, and we’re only three weeks into it. I find little comfort in that.

I avoid political discussion in my posts for obvious reasons. If I could change people’s mind by simply writing a few words, I’d be really worried. You know, after I finished doing the victory dance. Still, we all bring our own brand of wisdom to the party. Okay, I’ve met a few people who challenge that notion, but they probably feel the same about me. Sometimes I think they may be right.

Lately, it seems ANY discussion can turn political right before your eyes. Car dealer gave you the shaft? Politics. Last night’s dinner made you gassy? Politics. Your kid won an award in school? Social programming! It’s all part of an evil conspiracy by the “other” side, designed to mess up your day. Yes, you. Personally. Your name is on a list somewhere. I checked. It’s right next to mine.

Something I’ve found over the years is that we all have more in common than our differences would suggest. At the end of the day, we want to feel loved, comfortable, and secure. We want to go to bed at night without waking up in a war. We want a decent job and a decent paycheck to go with it. And we want the freedom to live our life as we see fit. Is that too much to ask?

Yet, if we could focus on those similarities, setting the differences aside, think of what this world could be! And here’s the thing … we can. It’s a choice we can make, a conscious decision to focus on the good in people and situations. And yes, I have an ex-son-in-law whose goodness eludes me to this day. We all have one or two. But I’m living my best life, just to spite him. I’m allowed.

And so are you. You were born to live your best life. That begins with acceptance of the world around us instead of trying to shape it to our own mold. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” In those words lie the secret to true happiness.

That’s all for now. I’ll try to make the next one a little lighter, but this has been on my mind. Hope you don’t mind a little indulgence. Be nice to one another, be nice to yourself, and have an awesome day!

Tag: Politics

Tune In and Zone Out

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