Addicted To The News

I have a confession: I was deeply addicted to the news.

I loved staying updated on everything.

Every morning, I'd dive into the headlines, unaware of their impact on my energy.

Here's what I learned:

Mindlessly consuming news limited my ability to think beyond what was presented. The constant exposure to violence, corruption, and tragedy affected my spirit, dampening my morale. It made me believe the world would never change, and that any efforts to create a better future were futile. Instead of focusing on what was possible, I found myself reacting to negativity.

But there was a hidden truth behind my addiction.

The reality is, I craved control and certainty in my own life. I used the news as a substitute for knowing.

I was addicted to needing to know, without realizing my addiction.

Beneath it all, I was afraid of what I would discover if I allowed myself to pause.

Listening to podcasts became my coping mechanism, a way to numb fear and avoid feeling lonely. Consuming news gave me a false sense of control. When faced with challenges, I turned to consuming more news, hoping to find answers outside of myself. Sadly, this only led to further disempowerment.

A deceptively simple practice helped me reorient: Pause and reflect.

In our fast-paced world, we forget the profound impact of taking a moment to tune into our inner selves. This practice allows us to step back from the chaos and reconnect with our wisdom.

***

Words hold immense power.

They carry energy that can either uplift or drain our spirit. When we consume fear-inducing news first thing in the morning, we unwittingly subject ourselves to a barrage of negative energy that limits our possibilities. It sets the tone for the entire day, leaving us feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

Instead, consider this approach:

1/ Prioritize creation:

Connect with your inner Source, ask what you need to know in the present moment, and engage in activities that nourish your spirit. Remember, your own creations are more powerful than what you consume.

2/ If you choose to read the news, set a time limit:

Protect your energy by limiting exposure. Allocate a specific time to catch up on current events, and then consciously shift your focus to activities or ideas that can help create the world you desire. Or consciously choose to watch something that’ll make you laugh or uplift your spirit.

3/ Remove social media from your phone and access it only through your desktop:

The constant stream of others' panic can easily consume us, leading to unnecessary overwhelm. By engaging with social media intentionally, you can avoid getting caught up in the hysteria.

We all have our addictions.

Mine was news, while yours might be Netflix or Wordle.

The key is to recognize the impact of our habits, consciously choose to nourish ourselves, and align with the world we desire.