Embracing Positivity: A Journey To Self-Care
Dr Yewande Okuleye Ph.D, FRHistS
Visiting Lecturer @ Mind Body Spirit Wellness | Ph.D.Medical Humanities
During the pandemic, amidst the constant barrage of negative news, I found myself teetering on the edge of despair, haunted by the relentless tide of bleak news. My background in studying pandemics only intensified my apprehension, and the delay in lockdown measures in the UK only fuelled my uncertainty. I still don’t comprehend why we delayed. Anyway, moving on.?Living through a pandemic was a different beast from reading about it in history books.
Clouds of doom draw near,
Carefree spirit seeks solace,
Hope shines through the gloom.
This short read chronicles my journey of reclaiming peace and positivity by re-evaluating my media consumption habits. As the pandemic unfolded, I found myself increasingly overwhelmed by the incessant stream of bad news flooding the airwaves. One morning, I made a pivotal decision to switch off my radio, symbolizing my resolve to detach from the negativity. Instead of being bombarded by doom and gloom, I embraced the quietude, allowing space for introspection, meditation, and connecting with nature.
Gradually, I extended this practice to my news consumption. Rather than subjecting myself to the relentless cycle of negativity, I adopted a more mindful approach. I curated my news intake, seeking out sources that offered a balanced perspective and focusing on stories that uplifted and inspired me.
One challenge I faced was navigating the deluge of indiscriminate messages on WhatsApp. Determined to shield myself from the onslaught of recycled bad news, I took decisive action. In December 2023, I embarked on a digital decluttering journey, clearing messages, exiting groups, and purging inactive contacts. This simple yet empowering act significantly reduced the percentage of negative content infiltrating my daily life. This was more difficult than I anticipated as I had to be honest about the strength of each friendship bond. What bonds were non-existent? What bonds had gone cold? Did I have the energy to warm cold bonds? All the questions were not that simple as the mind cannot solve matters of the heart. So, I went with my gut. I kept friends who shared positivity, insights, and support.
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?Life is about growth and expanding our horizons. May we continue to refresh, preserve, and meet the deliciously unexpected kindness in strangers, who become our friends.? Have you found your tribe of 100 yet? This decluttering process and the intention for more deeper and meaningful connectivity fills me with new hope.
Today, I stand empowered by my choices. By intentionally creating space for positivity, I have cultivated a sanctuary of peace amidst the chaos. I am reminded of the transformative power of self-care and mindful media consumption. And on that note, I am delighted to share a snippet of good news. In a heartwarming display of generosity, 93-year-old Dr. Ruth Gottesman, former professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has made history with a jaw-dropping $1 billion donation! This incredible gift, the largest ever to a medical school in the US, comes as a beacon of hope for aspiring doctors and healthcare heroes.
Bright moments amidst Shadows,
Hope and gratitude,
Fill my heart with light.