There is mounting evidence that bad news can significantly impact our mental health, leading to increased anxiety, despair, and acute stress reactions. Real-time colorful pictures have effectively brought the news audience to the scene of an event. Many people watching the most shocking images of the war in Ukraine will experience emotional reactions as if they were there physically.
Luna, like my Monkey & Magic, have the healthiest idea to calmly look outside at the birds, trees & skies. The continuous “breaking news” is exhausting & depressing but even more exasperating are the “experts” analyzing every possible move & outcome as we all watch people suffer & die. I greatly admire the brave & proud Ukrainian people as well as the countries giving their citizens refuge. Have a safe & inspired journey, Alex!!!
Thank you Dawna, there is a lot to learn from Monkey, Magic and Luna ;-). And as I wrote on March 14th, when I noted a bit too many comments like the ones you heard: "War is ruining people's lives, their dreams, their happiness. There are no winners; everyone loses.
A really reflective article that hits close to home. The feelings of sadness and anxiety are hard to ignore and, honestly, shouldn’t be ignored. They are too important and the diligence of news reporting can’t be minimized no matter the distress it causes. Truth must be told even when it hurts deeply. I’m grateful for good reporting, it’s how change can happen.
But for sanity’s sake, a break is necessary as you illustrated. It reminds us why the causes of the bad news must be overcome. Positivity is a large part of who you are and that makes you vitally important in keeping things in balance.
Your summer plan is exciting. However you chose to share it will be welcome as always. Last summer’s travels and posts were perfect in all forms (just like the article and video of the ponies in the dunes) and I’m certain you will outdo yourself in the coming months.
Thank you for undertaking projects that lift spirits and imaginations and give hope.
Thank you Lizzie, I do look forward to the travel but have no idea yet how to combine travel and writing and podcasting. It will be another steep learning curve.
I'm with Luna on this - watching squirrels instead of the news. Going for long walks along the water and in the forest. Loving spring, the colors, the smells, new live beginning.
I think not having a TV has helped me stay away from some of the news. I used to be glued to the TV whenever something bad happened.
Love your summer ideas. More and shorter sounds good. Focusing on the positives as much as possible sounds like an excellent idea. Too bad you're not taking Luna with you - at least I don't think you are. She'd have some fun stories to tell, I think. Looking forward to whatever you share.
Oh yes thank you, looking forward to the sunny summer articles in the planet newsletter and the different forms of expression you choose. There is enough to worry about so a change of perspective will help. I also like the macro- micro views you presented, the blooming signs of spring in Ottawa and the cat’s looks. Thanks for your inspiration and good luck.
Luna, like my Monkey & Magic, have the healthiest idea to calmly look outside at the birds, trees & skies. The continuous “breaking news” is exhausting & depressing but even more exasperating are the “experts” analyzing every possible move & outcome as we all watch people suffer & die. I greatly admire the brave & proud Ukrainian people as well as the countries giving their citizens refuge. Have a safe & inspired journey, Alex!!!
Thank you Dawna, there is a lot to learn from Monkey, Magic and Luna ;-). And as I wrote on March 14th, when I noted a bit too many comments like the ones you heard: "War is ruining people's lives, their dreams, their happiness. There are no winners; everyone loses.
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” ~Lao Tzu
🗺🧭📜🚶♂️✍⏳
I love that one!
A really reflective article that hits close to home. The feelings of sadness and anxiety are hard to ignore and, honestly, shouldn’t be ignored. They are too important and the diligence of news reporting can’t be minimized no matter the distress it causes. Truth must be told even when it hurts deeply. I’m grateful for good reporting, it’s how change can happen.
But for sanity’s sake, a break is necessary as you illustrated. It reminds us why the causes of the bad news must be overcome. Positivity is a large part of who you are and that makes you vitally important in keeping things in balance.
Your summer plan is exciting. However you chose to share it will be welcome as always. Last summer’s travels and posts were perfect in all forms (just like the article and video of the ponies in the dunes) and I’m certain you will outdo yourself in the coming months.
Thank you for undertaking projects that lift spirits and imaginations and give hope.
Thank you Lizzie, I do look forward to the travel but have no idea yet how to combine travel and writing and podcasting. It will be another steep learning curve.
Luna is beautiful 😍
And so sweet :-)
Your plan for writing this summer sounds wonderful! I look forward to you sharing your look at the world, as always. Be safe. Take care.
Thank you Jean, I will try to let the readers travel with me by sharing whatever I see. I hope you will enjoy it.
I am looking forward to it. Stay safe.
Thank you Jean!
Enlightning, thank you Alexander. 🙏🏽
Thank you, Ricardo!
I'm with Luna on this - watching squirrels instead of the news. Going for long walks along the water and in the forest. Loving spring, the colors, the smells, new live beginning.
I think not having a TV has helped me stay away from some of the news. I used to be glued to the TV whenever something bad happened.
Love your summer ideas. More and shorter sounds good. Focusing on the positives as much as possible sounds like an excellent idea. Too bad you're not taking Luna with you - at least I don't think you are. She'd have some fun stories to tell, I think. Looking forward to whatever you share.
I will try to meet some cats wherever the travels take me, and photograph them for this newsletter's "backpage" section
Excellent! Thank you.
Oh yes thank you, looking forward to the sunny summer articles in the planet newsletter and the different forms of expression you choose. There is enough to worry about so a change of perspective will help. I also like the macro- micro views you presented, the blooming signs of spring in Ottawa and the cat’s looks. Thanks for your inspiration and good luck.
Thank you Aida, looking at yours and the other comments (including the email replies), I think this is a "mandate" to go ahead with this plan.