Well, I took time off from writing (and from following major news for that matter) . A detox of sorts. Mine was somewhat required due to life circumstances from a very large move across the country. An imperative that simply didn’t allow time to focus on much of anything else. I probably wouldn’t have had the ability to hold off on scrolling and bemoaning without that forced interlude, but we will take our spiritual prods where we can get them.

I certainly encourage others to take a moment off as well. Not even weeks, perhaps simply leaving your phone in another room and stepping away for a few hours. Do it a little bit each day and increase the time span as you are able (but don’t be a dick to your friends and family who might need you, let them know what you’re up to if you’re a terminally available person—that will scare them if you suddenly go silent). Do this if only to show how jangled up our minds have become. I am not saying to seclude yourself in the forest and completely lose the ability to verbalize, but at least take some time off from following the terrible reports, and stop reacting to the latest shocking event of the moment with the fullness of your blood pressure and cortisol. This probably sounds like a vantage point of privilege, and it is. Having the ability to not need to concern oneself of the horrors at the exact moment they are reported on is a privilege, but they will all be there when you return, sadly enough. And when you return hopefully you will bring with you........

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