You have permission to consume, or not consume the news today. The bigger question is, do you have mental, physical, emotional, and social margin to do so? Here is an easy way to tell.
Quick self check:
If no, stop here and choose restful, rejuvenating content to consume instead. The news will be there tomorrow. And tomorrow has enough worries of it's own.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.“ Philippians 4:8
If yes, continue...
2. Have you eaten?
If no, stop and make a choice to put something healthy in your body.
"The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched (Elijah) and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
I Kings 19:7
If yes, continue...
3. Have you had any water?
If no, stop and drink at least 8oz.
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." Proverbs 25:25
If yes, continue...
4. Scan your body, what sensations are you noticing when you think about consuming news type content? Notice any tension or discomfort inside?
If yes, consider passing on the news for today. Connect with a friend, or take a walk instead.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
5. Take a quick inventory of your thoughts. Have they been more negative today?
If yes, consider writing, or drawing out what is bothering you versus consuming content that may stir up additional internal or external negativity.
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." Psalm 139:23
If no, continue...
6. Do you have capacity to consume the full monte news of the day, or would something bite-sized feel more manageable?
If you said bite-sized, wait until tomorrow and catch the recap.
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
If you said full monte, proceed with caution, taking care to step away, log off, and unplug if needed to care for your mind, body, and soul.
PS. Never underestimate the power of a good nights sleep to help support navigating what news you may wake up to the next day.
Share this with someone who may need to give themselves permission.
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