9. Read something inspirational; Anything

9. Read something inspirational; anything

I made the mistake of having a couple of newspapers and other new outlets deliverer headlines and breaking stories to my inbox daily. I must say I keep in touch with what is going on in the world. The problem is that 90% of it is so negative, sad and at times slanted based upon the political philosophy of the paper or cable network. This negativity and at times the slant can cause me to become jaded, cynical, and to really and on occassion lose my faith in humanity. The destructive influence of political discord, domestic violence, pandemics, fear, and random shootings to just name a few can be anything but inspiring as a matter of fact it can be exhausting and exacerbating. What is even more frustrating is that all of these cable news outlets say that they are fair and balanced. Here is what I said about these news outlets 10 years ago.

FOX, CNN, MSNBC

Yes, I know all cable outlets for the news. Is it news or is it the networks’ slant on the news? I think you know the answer. It is no longer just reporting the News. It’s reporting the new based upon the political views of the network. In homes across the country, opinions are being formed by adults who listen to the thoughts of so-called reporters and experts who want everyone to believe that their network is fair and balanced. Thoughts about different countries, races, religions, ethnicities, intertwined with current events can enter homes with the click of a remote. Do families talk about the news? Of course they do. The problem is, they are not forming an opinion based upon their own values, but rather the values of others. The bias that

may result in homes regarding the differences of others impacts our children. This negative communication filters down by osmosis and our children can develop negative attitudes and can become prejudicial in their thinking. What parents fail to recognize is that their children attend school every day with other students of different backgrounds. Adults need to understand how their thoughts, words, actions, attitudes, and motives affect their children. It is far easier to build a boy than to mend a man. Prejudice is learned. It’s not genetic.

The idea here is to fill our hearts and minds with positive thoughts, speak words that edify, take actions that are designed to build up not tear down, have attitudes that are kind, caring, and respectful, and maintain motives that are pure and are not seeking that which is for ourselves but which is fair and equitable. Truly in order to do this we have to focus on what’s entering our minds and forming our thoughts.

I read the bible every day. I then pray. This I do in the morning when no one else is awake. It has a way of cleansing my heart and soul and it almost sets up a barrier to help me keep out the negativity of some of the events of the day. Some people read other literature or biographies of those who have overcome adversity, or have other methods of clearing their minds; nature, yoga, walking hand in hand with a loved one and family members, are some other good ideas.

Reflective journaling, taking a course and learning a new skill like painting, pottery, or photography can all inspire us to become our personal best and help us to realize that there is much more to life than the negativity of the news. Get positive, and stay inspired.