While there are many things to be positive about, there comes a time where being sunny seems loony. How can you crack a real smile when there is so much bad news? And so much of it. Hence, the following words.
I shut down all my social media accounts a few months ago – Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. I was so tired of reading opinions and complaints. They reminded me of Cool Whip, fluff and artificial ingredients. And the wasted time. So much wasted time.
Unfortunately, I’m now overcommitted to the New York Times, reading Breaking News all day, sometimes in the middle of the night. I’ll reach for my phone like I’m grasping for air. It’s always bad news, really deep bad news, and I can’t let it go. It’s a wonder I sleep.
I’ve traded the froth that is social media for the hard truth, and I don’t feel any better. It’s all too much information no matter where it comes from. I can’t wait to get out and knock on doors. Sputter the script about who you should vote for. Anything that will bring me face-to-face with someone who might want to listen to words from an in-person human.
We all miss a touch, a light-hearted phrase. In quarantine, it’s hard to come by. Not to be corny, but there really is love all around you. It’s not all bad news. Sometimes you just need to be positive and imagine it.
Martha Turner
You’ve so colorfully described how tricky it is to find the sweet spot in between. But as you say, love is all around, and that is not less true than scary facts from a news feed. After all, news organizations must make a profit in a competitive market, and lighting everything on fire keeps the fear percolating and keeps readers coming back for more in a cycle of addiction to sensation.
Maybe being positive means we stumble as humans, but remember what Elijah Cummings said shortly before he died, ‘America may stumble, but she will get back up again.”
Let’s imagine that.
Thanks Maureen for sharing yourself with us.
Maureen Goldman
Oh Boy, Martha! Nothing like responding months and months later. I’m sorry. I love the quote you shared, “America may stumble, but she will get back up again.” Thanks for your kind words. xo