All Psyched Up: Exposure

By Linda Hancock on November 23, 2024.

During the past couple of months there has been shocking news about the music world. Indictments, accusations and a flood of information has dominated social media and mainstream journalism. In fact, there has been so much coming out every single day that one would have a very difficult time trying to keep up with all the new developments. But should we?

I believe we can divide things into four basic categories: amazing, good, bad and evil. Of course, we would all wish for life to be filled with nothing but amazing but that isn’t realistic. Being thankful for good is often neglected but well deserved. Bad happens! Sometimes a person makes a bad choice or experiences a bad event. We can learn, over the years to handle all three of these.

Evil is a different story!

It is difficult if not impossible for someone to come back from being evil. Crossing that line usually has become an ingrained pattern with devastating consequences over a period of time. Sometimes we are so shocked by evil that we don’t know how to process it. In fact, we can be mesmerized to the point of focusing only on the evil and neglecting other things, people and responsibilities.

I have noticed that my Veterans, who have experienced trauma in the past are usually wise enough to avoid media and definitely do not allow themselves to be triggered by articles or conversations about the worst events that are occurring in the world. Instead, they protect their brains and health by limiting their exposure. They tend to not listen to radio or television and carefully choose “safe” topics to research on the internet. We can all learn from them.

You see, each of us has the power to make choices: amazing, good, bad or evil. We are able to decide what we will say and do each moment of the day. We can act in a healthy or destructive manner. It is important to take responsibility for these choices.

It is also important to consider what we will allow into our lives: amazing, good, bad or evil. Let go or set boundaries to protect yourself and your family members from people and things that will hurt you because of their choices. Screen and limit the information that you feed your brain – especially in situations that which you cannot control.

People often tell me that they think they need to be informed about what is going on in the world, and then wonder why they have problems with anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties.

In the computer world we say, “Garbage in, garbage out”. This is the same principle for each of our lives.

Yes, there are evil things going on in the world – always have been! But there are also amazing and good things going on. Which of these do you want to be part of? What choices do you need to make in order to protect your health and your future? It’s up to you!

Oh, and if you have been up to no good, you can change that right now. Remember, today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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