I have distanced myself from the “big” picture regarding news, events and tragedy.
- There are wildfires in California, Oregon and Washington State. Air quality there is awful, houses have burned and people have been evacuated.
- Britain has Brexit issues.
- India has Covid issues (who doesn’t?).
- China wants to crush the US (supposedly).
- Iran might have Nukes.
- Trump might steal the election or refuse to leave if he loses.
- Mitch McConnell and his ilk continues to be douchebags.
- Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer are self-serving, sanctimonious simps.
- Joe Biden can’t speak clearly, often sounds like he’s lost and yet the DNC ramrodded him through as the “best” candidate for president.
- Covid-19 might give me mild symptoms, no symptoms, kill me or give me “long hauler” symptoms for months (or longer).
- Climate change is making the oceans rise and the forests burn.
- There are riots is Seattle and Portland.
- And on and on and on.
None of this impacts me directly or even indirectly.
I have never been to these countries, states or cities (except for CA). None of the politicians mentioned represent my state or any state I have ever lived in. I have absolutely no impact or control over any of these events.
So not only do I have no informed opinion on these issues, I don’t even want to give them space in my head for consideration.
It’s better to focus on what’s directly in front of me because when it comes down to it, everything is local.
- My neighbors determine how pleasant my neighborhood is or isn’t.
- The city government controls services that matter most to me like water and sewage, parks, pools and emergency services
- Our city commissioners and mayor make most of the decisions regarding the Covid-19 lockdowns, zoning regulations, schools, budgets and taxes.
- The local stores, service providers and vendors effect my daily life 1000x more than Silicon Valley, New York City or the stock market does.
I’ve heard the mantras that a good citizen needs to be informed. I’ve been told that following world events is important.
Having followed the news for most of my life, I disagree. My world is very small. I buy groceries from two stores within 3 miles of my home. I swim at a city pool 5 miles away. I walk the dogs all around the neighborhood streets and parks. I hang out with my neighbors, chat with the “old man crew” and the staff at the pool and spend 95% of my time within 15 minutes of my home.
As a result, I’ve been able to get in peak physical condition at age 52. I’ve got two content dogs. I have friends and neighbors who I look out for and who are lend me a hand when I need one. I’ve learned to paint and I’ve picked up drumming once again after 30 years off.
The weather here is usually decent. Sometimes it is fantastic and other times just bearable. But I’m not caught in hurricane, floods, wildfires or earthquakes. Those are not my problems.
Globalism and the internet have exposed me to the entire world of problems, products, information and people.
I no longer think that is a positive thing.
So I have intentionally settled into a life lived locally.