Why Choosing Joy Over News is My Boldest Decision Yet

It feels almost obligatory to stay updated with the latest news. Each morning, countless headlines flood my feeds, vying for my attention. However, amidst the constant stream of information, I made a radical choice: to step back from the news and prioritize my happiness. Preserving joy in my life has become my form of protest!

I felt bombarded with alarming stories—from political unrest to devastating tragedies. The burden of absorbing this information was overwhelming. Over time, I found myself feeling increasingly stressed and anxious after reading or watching the news. Each notification felt like a heavy stone added to my mental backpack, making my life feel even heavier.

Choosing joy does not mean ignoring reality; it means cultivating a mindset that thrives despite it. I realized that if I continued to consume negative news daily, it would seep into my mindset and cloud my view of the world.

Joy must be my reality!

By curating what I focused on, I began to notice glimmers of happiness in unexpected places—nature, creativity, and meaningful connections with the people I care about. People who may look different, worship differently, love differently, and live differently than me.

Surrounding myself with people who uplift and inspire me has been critical in preserving my joy. The friends and family I choose to be around share a commitment to positivity. When we talk, our conversations revolve around love, hope, and faith.

Choosing joy over the endless stream of news truly is a radical act of resistance for me. I get to choose what and whom I give my energy to!