“Although the world is full of suffering,
it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
– Helen Keller
…this quote appeared in my Facebook feed, like a gift to me, shortly
after I had finished this paragraph, which I never published:
I am seriously considering shutting down my Facebook page. I am starting to lose faith in humanity. I can’t handle all of the bad news. It is getting more and more difficult for me to maintain a hopeful and optimistic attitude while exposed to abused children and starving animals, most of whom suffer at the hands of miserable humans. I have always believed that the good outweighs the bad, and that the power of positive thinking can overcome adversity, but the constant barrage of horrible images and news that inundate my Facebook feed is destroying my optimistic nature.
One of the really good things about getting older, and yes, I believe
there are a few, is that we generally know ourselves. We know what we need to
thrive, what pisses us off -- hell, yeah, we know that -- what motivates us, and
what brings us down.
So, I know my capacity for bad news, and I can take measures to insure that I don't overdose on it. We can’t, and shouldn’t, block out absolutely every bit of bad news. It
helps to be informed about the bad stuff, so that we can help others, protect
ourselves, and make choices in our lives to influence positive change, to name
a few.
The bad news also serves as a reminder to most of us of how good we really have
it. I, for one, have certainly found that even on my worst days, I don’t have to
look far to find someone who has it worse than me, and that usually slaps the self pity right out of me.
So when I find myself sinking too low, when the bad news threatens to
crush my spirit, it’s just time to take a break, unplug, and remind myself that
there is also incredible beauty, and good news, and love in this world, and I don’t have to look very far to find it.
6 comments:
Beautiful post Kerri. That quote with your girl is amazing! So true - all of what you have written here.
I sometimes want to be an ostrich with my head in the sand but know I cannot. I have one of those minds that acts like a sponge for bad news and the barrage of it we're getting lately. I have to actually restrict myself from it. I check, in the morning, on my phone or computer and then let it go for rest of day. Hearing too much of the horrible news can set me up for my day. So; I fully get what you are saying.
Right now I'm focusing on seeing you soon! :)
Love ya - M
Even though she has a tear in her eye, your girl is sweetness with a watering can….I love her. I have to agree with your great post Kerri, yes you have to take the good with the bad but, why oh why does the bad have to be shoved down your throat. In regards to FB, I often wonder how some people find all these horrible stories of abused children and animals. Does one Google "where kind I find a story about a child being abused or unwanted animals that are thrown in the river". I don't know, when I go on the internet I am always looking for things that hold my interest. You know, new art supplies, great journal pages, favorite blogs or Etsy. I NEVER go looking for wretched situations. When I'm on FB I just scroll right over most posts…
and as far as the news goes, sometimes it's two or three days before I even listen to the news!
Sorry Kerri, this darling girl is sweetness with a heart not a watering can…..senior moment!!!
All things happen for a reason I believe. Thankfully Helen Keller was a very brave and wise woman. Your precious girl with the tear and broken heart does know sorrow and joy. I see it in her beautiful soul. We, who are able to know pain and rise above it have more understanding and compassion for others. I believe this too! Thank you for writing this honest and important post. Blessings Dear...
You are a wise woman and I always find "hope" in your messages. I too lose faith sometimes in humanity but like you it is only to look in the opposite direction to find the beauty and love that surrounds us. You are one remarkable woman.
P.S. I too love your sweet girl with the tear and heart. Loving her bow in the hair. I love all of these girls you give birth to. They are very special….
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