How to deal with the daily barrage of bad news
As a journalist and CEO of American Press Association, I want express my personal thoughts regarding the daily news that assails our senses each and every day. I’ve often been asked how I handle the daily assault of death, mayhem and violence that we are subjected to with each daily news cycle. How do I handle the political infighting that seems to have no end as the hatred and vitriol spews forth daily form the halls of our political chambers in Washington D.C.? My answer follows:
I’ve pretty much let go of any incitement, fear and anger towards political events and the path of our world today. I know I can’t change the direction we’re headed and I can’t lose sleep over the insanity around us. It poisons my soul to dwell on all that’s wrong and bad in the world and have concluded that it’s a waste of energy, time, and peace of mind. You know we can’t really undo what’s happening. We have no power to shape the world as we would like. Resignation to the events at this point is one path and the other is to hold fast to a higher wisdom. My faith tells us: “All things are working together for Good.”
I find myself viewing the world with a much more healthy detachment now, and can’t put energy into the fear and anxiety that permeates the air today. My only defense is “praise and give thanks” and know that it all has to ultimately work out for the Highest Good, and, therefore, I leave it in His Hands. I’ve concluded from my faith that all partial evil serves Universal Good. To put it another way, the Devil unwittingly is but the servant of God. I recognize that any reference to my personal beliefs goes against the norm of proper journalistic behavior. But then again, our freedom of speech didn’t exclude it neither.
(Freedom of speech was established in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution in 1791 along with freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and the right to assemble. In 1948, the UN recognized free speech as a human right in the International Declaration of Human Rights.)
I still watch with an eye of an eagle and keep abreast of events around the world, but for my own sanity I don’t burn with anger and resentment as I know it will only shorten my life and lead to dis-ease of body and mind. I’m trying my best to do what the Good Book prescribes:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phillipians 4:8.
Not an easy task when faced with a world gone mad 🙁
I know I have a short time on this earth, and, thank God, my son Andre and my children have the strengths and stamina to withstand much of the ignorance and stupidity around them. I resolve to maintain my equanimity and preserve my health of mind and body by not railing against all the evils in the world, albeit selfishly. I guess I shall be judged thus.
If the occasion arises that calls for my actions in defense of my family or my person, I will act in accordance with that wisdom of self-preservation. However, that moment would be justified and called for and within my power to effectively deal with such an event, knowing that I can effectively change and redirect the events infringing on my personal space. I see no actions of mine that will effect the path of our nation or other nations.
The good I see for the U.S. is that ultimately, should the disfunction and divisiveness continue on its path, we will experience a revolution of sorts, either politically or socially, that will wake our country up and bring it to its senses.
We are much more strident and rebellious people than is recognized, and the populous will only take so much before it rebels, if not politically, otherwise, my faith in Good is complete and unshakable despite the seeming contradiction.
My belief in the power of love, or its absence, is embodied in the following poem I wrote:
What is life, but love in full sway,
Take it away and there’s death and decay.
If it’s contorted and twisted around,
It never leaves its infant home grownd.
But if its presence is stately and true,
It edifies and beautifies without a cue.
— Ron Watson
