Here’s the truth we already know: very little good comes from staying submerged in the doomsday news cycles designed to keep you hooked, or the highlight-reel illusions of social media. The platforms that claim to foster connection often do the opposite—fueling comparison, insecurity, and disconnection.
None of this is groundbreaking. So why say it again? Because despite knowing better, many of us are still addicted to these narratives. And that’s exactly what I’m telling you to break free from.
Your joy can’t thrive when you’re living inside someone else’s story, especially one designed to make you feel small, less than, helpless, or afraid. The narratives we consume shape the way we see the world—and ultimately, how we experience it.
If your mental space is filled with stories of fear, lack, violence, and inadequacy, that will become your reality. The more you engage with those narratives, the more you reinforce them—until they start to feel like absolute truth.
But life is about perspective. It’s about where we direct our attention.
If you want to feel more joy, start by shifting your focus. Move away from what breeds negativity, division, and hopelessness. Move toward what fosters connection, understanding, and joy.
Be honest. Do you feel joyful after the above mentioned activities? I didn't ask if you felt entertained or distracted. I specifically used the word joyful.
Now, maybe you’re thinking:
“But what if something terrible happens while I’m not paying attention? What if I’m not prepared?”
Let’s unpack that.
That thought is basically saying: “I can’t experience joy now because something bad might happen later.” So the conclusion becomes: avoid joy just in case it disappears.
You see how backward that logic is, right?
You’re not going to miss out on something important by choosing joy. What you will gain is the ability to reconnect—with yourself and with others. Maybe you’ll even pick up the phone and text (or dare I say, call) someone and make real plans to connect.
