Lately the world has been a bit of a scary place. It’s easy to get caught up in the overwhelming uncertainty that surrounds us in the moment. It’s also easy to get caught up in the emotions of the time; letting frustration at the current situation seep through in communication to others. Right now, it is more important than ever when angry, or frustrated to take a breath and ask yourself, ‘who does this emotion serve?’
There is a lot of news and coronavirus information to ingest from the media lately. However, journalists everywhere are doing their best to inform everyone of what is happening in our world at the moment. Reputable journalists are not ‘Facebook warriors,’ they do not spread misinformation, they only use reputable and fact-checked sources and they are working tirelessly to keep up with every single detail of COVID-19 to make sure that their communities are getting the news they want, and being kept in touch with the rest of the world in a factual way. This is the case 24-7, 365 days a year, pandemic or not.
So next time you see a piece of news that may not be very happy, or that you don’t agree with, don’t attack the journalist.
Instead bring up that you disagree with the message of the story, or how whatever they are reporting on is being handled by the powers above them. Or, write a letter to the editor where your perspective can be heard and read by others. Negative Facebook comments, or condemning of the media doesn’t do anyone any favours.
Next time if you find yourself wishing that all journalists would just disappear ask yourself, actually try to come up with a list, where would I get my news? Correction, where would I get my factual, thoroughly vetted, news? How would I stay informed on what is going on in the world around me without facing billions of different biased opinions on the same issue?
Yes, there are some news organizations that have very biased perspectives. However, the overwhelming majority of journalists and news organizations value integrity, the truth and knowledge above all else.
Not only is it trying times for journalists right now, but public service workers as well. Most grocery store employees are only making minimum wage, and right now are working at an all-time high. Instead of getting angry at them because something that you needed or wanted is out of stock, which is out of their control by the way, understand that they don’t really want to be out in public putting their own health at risk all day long but they will for their community.
Offer them a smile, say “you’re doing a great job,” crack a joke, even tip them! Just don’t take your frustration out on them.
Send anyone in your life, or community a positive message to keep moral up — especially those who are leaving their homes every day to keep us fed, informed, and safe. Give a shout out to the local fire department, police detachment, and hospital staff. These people are working tirelessly to keep us all as safe as possible in the middle of a pandemic.
So next time you feel like taking your frustrations out on somebody else during this time take that extra second and think, “who is this emotion serving.” Because it sure isn’t doing you any good, or whoever you are irrationally angry at.
It’s crazy out there right now, but what is really important to hold onto during all this chaos is that kindness goes a long way.