Many people are unable to resist news coverage of traumatic events, such as disasters and terrorist attacks that confront the world we live in. The past month has been a heartbreaking example after the horrific events in Paris. As shocking as this was for viewers to watch on television and read about in newspapers, many still find it nearly impossible to turn away.
It is difficult to know why the information is so hard to resist. Some say that people are hoping for information because they are fearful of future events and want to be prepared; others say that people are watching and reading in an effort to digest and process the event; still others say the media is intentionally creating addictive images as seen in the latest Bond film Spectre. Let’s face it fear sells!
Unfortunately, research generally finds an association between watching media coverage of traumatic events and stress symptoms. Because I believe that what we think about expands, for years I contemplated the idea of killing our family TV. Fearful of being disconnected from the world, I always kept up on current events and thought it was our duty to know everything happening around the globe as well in our community. I found ourselves going to sleep to the hostility of the 11 o’clock news. During the night our subconscious minds would ponder the last messages they had been fed. In the morning I would immediately flick on the news and start our days with this same negativity and gloom. Was this benefiting me? Seven years ago I finally pulled the plug on my TV. I said no more to fear.
James Allen in his classic book “As a Man Thinketh” writes: “A man cannot directly choose his circumstances but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely shape his circumstances.” We must focus on squashing the fear that is often prevalent in our minds. Trusting ourselves in the midst of a world seemingly gone mad is a wise use of our intentions.
It is important to be aware of the current state of affairs around us, but it can be detrimental to be too “connected.” Like a majority of the issues reported in the media, the scope is beyond our circle of influence. If we can’t help solve such a monumental problem, isn’t it a waste of our time and energy to worry about it? You’d be infinitely better off using that time and energy to solve problems in your own life and community. Since most of the news people view is negative, it can lead people to believe that the world is heartless. Bad news breeds fear and distrust. The belief that danger lurks around every corner is certainly not the world I want to live in. Putting up blinders is not the answer but it is imperative that we don’t go out of our way to invite all that negativity into our lives in the first place. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and I hope you’ll consider giving it a try to do away with your TV!
David Rosell is President of Rosell Wealth Management in Bend. www.RosellWealthManagement.com. He is the author of Failure is Not an Option- Creating Certainty in the Uncertainty of Retirement. You may learn more about his book at www.DavidRosell.com or Amazon.com. Ask for David’s book at Barnes & Noble, Newport Market, Cafe Sintra, Bluebird Coffee Shop, Dudley’s Bookshop and Powell’s Books in Portland.
Investment advisory services offered through Rosell Wealth Management, a State Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through ValMark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC 130 Springside Drive, Ste 300 Akron, Ohio 44333-2431. 800 765-5201. Rosell Wealth Management is a separate entity from ValMark Securities.
