Hello. It's been raining most of the day here, I took Billy dog for a walk and we both got wet.
I put this video out yesterday and it's had quite a lot of comments on it. Some blog readers may have already seen it. If so, thanks for watching.
I put this video out yesterday and it's had quite a lot of comments on it. Some blog readers may have already seen it. If so, thanks for watching.
Not looking at news is the right thing for me to do. It takes the pressure off, it keeps my head clear so I can concentrate on more important things. When I skim across headlines as I turn my computer on, or open a new page, I say to myself, I don't need to know that. I move quickly on. No dillydallying through curiosity, I go straight to where I want to be. News is sensationalised to create the biggest impact. It is meant to shock, meant to get you hooked so you click on more more more. Like a drug you get sucked in. I am fighting back because news is poisoning my mind, which is affecting my physical health. Enough is enough, I want my freedom back.
If you are affected by a news overload, take steps to remove yourself from it's clutches. All the worrying in the world will not make things right. Do yourself a favour, cut yourself loose.
Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip. ilona
I've watched it and agree with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks. xxx
DeleteWhat a great video!! Last week I noticed that I seemed to be much more tense than usual, so much so that I wondered if I had developed high blood pressure. Then I turned on the tv to the new shows I was watching - "Untold Stories of the ER (Emergency Room)" and realized I was even more tense!! It was the tv shows I was watching that were making me feel nervous and high-strung! So off went the tv. I agree that we can't worry about the whole world, just about ourselves and what is our responsibility in the world.
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing the birds in your video!
I had the same feeling of tenseness, I found my shoulders lifted, my muscles were not relaxing. I made a conscious effort to correct this. Now I drop my shoulders. It feels much better.
DeleteI've taken that step too. The news is affecting my health as well, so much violence and hate coming at us from all angles. I've joined a sewing forum, ordered patterns and fabric from ebay. I'm watching The Great British Sewing Bee and tutorials on YouTube as well as a daily dose of cat videos! Also downloading ebooks from my library and feeding my old cat every 5 mins (not really, it just feels like that. My own lockdown against the news!
ReplyDeleteGlad you have taken steps to improve your life. I now only look at informative and interesting videos, along with comedy and music.
DeletePS. I can't believe it! A knitting pattern site I've belonged to for years is raising money on the site for the US protesters and if you say all lives matter the bully who runs it tells you to **** off. An innocuous knitting site for heaven's sake. I've deleted my account, I am trying to get away from all this madness! Rant over, love to the pussycats!
DeleteRant all you like, that is just awful. There has been a few kerfuffles on the textile art group I am a member of. Why do people insist on using art to express their political views. Last night someone posted a pic of a tapestry they made, of course it had links to the word racist. I can see me leaving that group very soon.
DeleteHow many people have sat on that bench and thought “someone kind put this here”..sadly not that many i would think.
ReplyDeleteYou’re doing the right thing by not watching the news ilona, we’ll end up basket cases the way things are going.
Stay well x
It's a lovely bench in a lovely place. There are some kind people about.
DeleteWe read the BBC news page and like you read only what we need to know, the reporters are so negative in their reporting, and it's more about opinions rather than news.
ReplyDeleteYes, I don't want opinions, I have enough of my own.
DeleteI agree with you IIona I try not to hear the news and I am only watching nice things on the TV like Spring Watch etc. I do worry about my family but there is not a lot I can do about it. I am so pleased that we have all moved away from the city areas and like in villages now.
ReplyDeleteTake care. Hazel c uk 🌈🌈🌈
Choosing your programmes carefully is what's best for you. Thank you Hazel for visiting here.
DeleteThis is why I haven't had a t.v. for ten years. I can still look at the news on my tablet if I want to. But I don't want to be bombarded by hatred and violence each time I switch on. News programmes have to be a sensation because no one would watch if it wasn't. I agree with everything you said, Ilona.
ReplyDeleteIt's bliss not having a tele. My dad was addicted to news. Every night he would sit in his favourite chair, dinner on his knee on a tray, and watch Cliff Michelmore on the Tonight programme. We all had to leave the room or shut up. He read the Daily Mirror every day cover to cover. News, pubs and boozing dominated his life. He died quite young.
DeleteYou are a wonderful lady that talks a lot of sense x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna. xxx
DeleteThe world has changed for most of us... luckily I’m among the statistical few that can carry on at almost normal levels ...retirement income, decent place to stay, food deliveries, health insurance, daily chats with far away family, staying for now with two of my grown daughters and grandson. I have art projects, a terrific garden, decent weather, movies to watch, and places to walk.
ReplyDeleteDo I miss “the way things were”? Yes!
Am I able to live happily as they are now? Yes.
Good advice to disconnect from “news”!
I’ve been reading much less of it—and absolutely no tv or radio news.
Being cut off from many old friends and acquaintances, blogs like yours mean a great deal to me. Thanks for your continued posts; you inspire me...make me laugh...introduce me to new things...include me on your walks in the countryside. Having blog friends (though it’s surely a kind of one sided friendship) is a relief in these troubled times. So glad you’re still here!
And I'm glad you're still reading Kelly. Thank you.
DeleteMy take, if I wanted to read/listen to gossip I would subscribe to the National Enquirer(USA). (I'm sure the UK has a weekly gossip rag.) All I want are the facts, delivered in a calm manner. I can think for myself. So, for years now, I pay just enough attention to the 'news' to have a general idea of what is going on. Then, I do what I have control over. Which, is my own behavior plus avoiding people who have been sucked into the fearmongering of the media.
ReplyDeleteWe have similar papers, the Sun is one I think.
DeleteThe first month of lockdown I watched the news almost non-stop - and then I had to stop as it was just too stressful. It also meant that I couldn't seem to get anything done - I just sat in my easy chair and watched the news - flipping back and forth between Canadian, US and UK channels. Finally had enough. I know when to check in for the news that I actually need and that's enough. I listen to classical music while working or reading and I'm watching a lot of interesting documentaries on YouTube - much easier on he nerves.
ReplyDeleteThere wasn't much else to do in the beginning. It was all new to us, we were thrust into a strange new world and it was natural to wonder what was going to happen next. I think we have passed that point now. Most news is based on speculation. If the answers are not known they make it up, just for the sake of filling column inches.
DeleteBravo, Ilona! You’ve encapsulated everything I’vecbeen thinking and feeling, too, these last few weeks. I’ve done the same - decided what is important to MY world and concentrated on that, avoided the news, been very selective about TV I do watch (Sewing Bee, Gardeners’ World, Springwatch and the likes) and realised that I do not want to be sucked into being one of those angry people the media seem to enjoy breeding with their sensationalism, and often inaccurate and biased reporting. I’ve become calmer, happier and more focused on GOOD stuff like my gardening, sewing, crafting, reading, writing and enjoying the natural world. Thank you for this video - it has helped enormously knowing it’s not ‘just me.’
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on Denise. News addiction is the virus, it isn't news any more, it's who can write the most sensational headlines. I have cut out people from my Twitter and yoootooob as well, even those who I agree with. People with opposing views are always going to stir up conflict, and I want no part of that.
DeleteI'm glad you got through that bad patch last week. There's no point in worrying about things that you can't change.Thank god most people in the world are normal, not angry and just trying to do their best to get through and it's sad that we only hear the worst of people.
ReplyDeleteThe birds were singing happily all through your video- good to hear.
Between you and me, Sue, I felt like shit. After seeing something horrific on a newsy video about the riots, something clicked. I can't do this any longer. I made a chatty video, like this one, basically offloading how I felt. It was full of despair, negativity, and confusion. I decided not to put it out and burden everyone else with my feelings. Thinking things over a few days later I made this one. I can't stay down forever, I have to get back up and look after myself.
DeleteI so agree with you Ilona.This world has gone mad and I dont want to be part of that.So now I just concentrate on the nice things in life.Listening to the birds singing,loving my Family,tending to my garden and even walking in the rain!Life has altered and all we can do is try and find pleasure in what we can do.xx
ReplyDeleteOpting out, don't be a sheep, be your own person.
DeleteI agree - I listen to/watch the headlines once a day and that's it. Something in a video you posted on 7th June struck a chord with me - 'the only things you can control are your own actions' - good advice.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Yep, you can't control what others are doing, so no point in listening, reading, or watching, BUT, you can control how you deal with it. Switch off. Simple.
DeleteMany years ago when our children were little, we chose not to have a TV (and still don't) we didn't buy newspapers and there was no internet. I remember my in-laws were horrified that we didn't watch the news so we knew what was going on in the world. My reply was that if there was something that affected us or our area, we were sure to hear about it and that's all we needed to know. We did not need all the negativity then and we choose not to watch/read it still.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the timely reminder!
Hi Evi. Nice story. I have always taken a bit of an interest in what is going on around me. Some aspects of news are useful to know, but now there is a lot of dross to trawl through. My routine now is to skim over headlines and pick out what I want to follow up. Have to say this, I can't find anything.
DeleteOne of your best videos Ilona. I'm sure that your views have struck a chord with many people, myself included. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Colin
Thank you Colin. I hope people take notice of all the polluting shit out there and turn their back on it.
DeleteIlona, I know how you feel. I've walked away from it all, too. One of the blogs I follow recommended a wonderful Instagram blog guaranteed to lift your spirits! Google Leslie Jordan and click on his Instagram account. He is an American comedian and actor. So funny! I think the best medicine is laughter and he will definitely give you a good dose. A little naughty but that makes it even funnier!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your thoughts Ilona. I admire you for your honesty and positive outlook on life. My sentiments entirely. Like you, I refuse to watch or listen to the news now, every day it seems the world gets madder. I too enjoy my garden, crafts, reading and crosswords. A simple life but suits me fine. I especially loved the end of your video, where you could just hear the wind and the birds, it really struck home how beautiful the countryside is and how lucky we are to be able to get outside walking. Thanks again Ilona x
ReplyDeleteIlona, I totally agree with you and have been following this method for a long time. I can do nothing to fix any dispute in this world but those that are right next to me. I watch no news, read no negatively written papers and happily carry on with my day. This is no head in the sand way, this is taking care of me way. have a wonderful day and greetings from British Columbia, Canada.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful video!
ReplyDeleteI can see your point, Ilona. You really gave me food for thought this morning. I think I need to watch when I can, tho, living in the US. I am not able to join protests right now due to health but feel I must witness what is going on in my country so I can support changes that will help. I get several thoughtful newsletters each day summarizing activities across the USA and they help me keep connected to the positive power of change that we hope for. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so well on your video.
ReplyDeleteWatch if you need to, but when it gets too much to bear, stop, switch off. Don't make it a priority over your own health and well being. I have never been to a protest rally in my life, and I never will. History shows that everything goes round in circles. We can hope for change. It would be nice if everyone became loving and kind to each other, but it will take a long time. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteHi Ilona. Your video resonated with me. I have been feeling so despondent of late. It's been one thing after the other, which is guaranteed to crush the soul if we let it. I have also started to avoid the news. Whether I watch it or not wont make any difference to what is going on, but watching it will affect my mental health and, in turn, my physical health. Sending you a hug x
ReplyDeleteYes, doesn't it get you down.
DeleteHi Ilona, the reaction to this post shows how many people feel the same as you at the moment. Coincidentally a friend shared advice on Facebook from The Counselling Teacher yesterday which identified things we can control and should focus on (eg positive attitude, kindness to others, turning off the news, finding fun things to do at home, our own social distancing etc) and things we cannot control and should let go (such as predicting what will happen, the actions of others, if others follow the rules of social distancing and so on). Just what you said in fact! Glad to hear you are feeling much better this week Vickix
ReplyDeleteHi Vicks. I did some counselling courses years ago and have remembered a lot of what I learnt. Still got my notes, which I like to look back on. If a person is feeling overwhelmed a change of attitude can be learnt. It just needs the will to do so. Thanks for your comment, I am feeling fine now I have got things sorted out in my mind.
DeleteHi Ilona, I got to a point where I was doubting my own sanity, has the world gone mad? or have I?, is there a point to everything that's happening? am I missing something? Why is the human race hell bent on destruction and killing this beautiful planet? I have a simple philosophy, live and let live, x
ReplyDeleteThat does happen, Margaret. We are bombarded from every direction with news, we think we ought to be taking an interest, and we need to keep up. We don't. We can turn our backs on it, we can switch off, hide the remote, stop watching stop reading. And make a better life for ourselves.
DeleteThank you for the wonderful video Ilona. No one has talked more sense of late. I too have been struggling with negative thoughts and it has affected my health ever since lockdown began. Now I only watch the daily press briefing followed by comedy programmes we have recorded, Springwatch, Gardeners World, Shakespeare and Hathaway, Rosemary and Thyme, Midsomer Murders etc I don't even put the radio on and I am beginning to calm down. I dare not even think about the protests now taking place. The world has indeed gone mad. Thank you for showing that lovely place where you sat. I love the bird sounds and the pots of flowers! Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteHi, Ilona!
ReplyDeleteI like to come here, to your little summer house on an island...
Reminds me of this quote from "The Wind in the Willows":
'“Beyond the Wild Wood comes the wild world," said the Rat."And that's something that doesn't matter, either to you or to me. I've never been there, and I'm never going' nor you either, if you've got any sense at all.”'
Meanwhile, my neighborhood in Minneapolis has BEEN the news for the past few weeks... No escaping The Wild World for me, as my workplace is directly affected, etc.
I try to keep my heart up so I can be helpful. (No good if I crumple into a heap, which I feel like doing sometimes!)
Walking by the creek (no willows, but oaks!) helps immensely!!!
Thank you Ilona for describing what I'm feeling at the moment. I am going to take your advice and stop listening to the news.You have always talked sense and I love your videos.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Eve
Yay Ilona! Exactly how I am feeling also. I've decided to keep off social media for a time to see how I go. I stopped watching the news on TV and reading newspapers many years ago because it was all bad. Now, it seems like the world has gone mad as you say! So I'm keeping my little corner of my world in the right place, where it belongs.
ReplyDelete