Okay, I’ll admit it.  I’ve turned into a news junkie since the pandemic hit.  Forced to stay home, I’ve read and listened to more news than ever before. It usually peaked out Friday night, what with Washington Week in Review, Indiana Week in Review,  in addition to cable news. But last night was the last straw.  When they started talking about Trump calling war heroes losers, I just could not take it any more. I have no idea if this was fake or real news.  But after  a summer of protests, riots, federal executions,  covid-19, and politics, everything you see and hear in the media  has become very depressing. Too much news can affect your mental health.  This morning, I decided to empty my brain.  I’m quitting the news cold turkey over Labor Day.  

Here’s how it’s going this Saturday morning:   

 8: 30 a.m. Starting with the newspapers.  We subscribe to two: local, and Indy Star. Before taking my first sip of coffee, I resolve not to read any story about the election, Trump, Biden, or any politician.  Same for riots and protests. None of which I can control.   What is left?  Start with the comics.  Typically, I skim over them, pausing to read one or two favorites.  Today, I read most every cartoon and comic.  They actually are somewhat entertaining .  We usually don’t read the sports section. But now, I’m surprised to find some interesting stories. One about some parents whose son plays for Purdue.  Another about a rookie who signed a four year deal with the Colts.  I might even watch a Colts game to see him play. The virus statistics still merit my attention,  since our city’s positivity rate is so alarming.  

9: 45 a.m.  My daughter arranged for me to watch my grandson’s cross country meet , live streamed on Facebook.  Seeing all those fine young people running their hearts out gave me so much hope.  I think of him when I  see other youngsters running in the park.  When that generation comes of age, I believe America is going to be just fine.  

11:15.    Since I can’t swim during the pandemic my, arthritis has gotten worse.  Now, I’ll take some time to go back and do some of the exercises I learned to do in therapy.  Yes, they’re a pain, and boring too.  But they are much needed if I want to keep  walking in the park.  

Walking in the park ,i phone in my pocket.  Every time it dings, I’m tempted.  All those apps—NY Times, Drudge, Reuters, Yahoo, CNN.  I’m fighting the urge to sit down and read  the depressing news of the day.  But I made it home without giving in.   

12:30. I’ve made it to lunch time without checking “Breaking News” .  Not even those alarming emails that flash across my iphone all day long.  Our snail  mail came, with forms to request absentee ballots, sent by the Democratic party.  Tossed them in the wastebasket.  If I decide to vote, it will be in person. 

This afternoon I’ll go to  the library.  Here’s hoping I’m off to a good start.   Just for this Labor Day weekend, I’m quitting the news cold turkey.   I need a little break before I can face it all again and find some balance between being informed and overwhelmed. .  And who knows?  Maybe there’s some good news on the horizon.