Negative headlines and the importance of self-preservation

I feel like all the current negative news, the ongoing disclosure of the existence of a whole dark underground network is starting to divide humankind and forcing us all to take a side. Something big is coming, it’s just hard to see what and how all this is going to evolve into. These are scary and uncertain times we’re living. It is stomach churning to think that there are groups of people that use their power and influence to harm others for their own benefit. It’s disheartening to be left in the perception that there is so much we cannot control. It’s truly unsettling. So unsettling that I’m unsure if a WW3 would not be better…

Reading a Psychology Today article I decided to have little chat with my 14 year-old about how much he knows about the Epstein files, what it means and if he has any questions or concerns. He seems to grasp what is going on and the chat reassured me that his heart is in the right place. He did expressed a concern about “the higher up”, he called them, the people that hold positions of power. How can we not? I mean, how to be confident enough to offer them guarantees that we are safe and that no harm can come to them? All we can do is to be there for them when they need us, to guide them the best we can so that they reflect the values, principles of what is right. And hope that they will make the right decisions for them and by those around them. My fairness sense has always been very strong. I had doubts throughout my life, but I’ve always made the decision that felt right every time, the choice not to hurt others and avoiding conflict are at my very top. There is an old Portuguese proverb that says that “from the discussion comes the light”. That really denotes the Portuguese peaceful, laid back and welcoming culture. Blood runs thick, and I strongly believe both my children have that deep desire for good and peace in them.

At the end I told him the best thing he can do is to always do the right thing, even if that came at a personal cost, provided it is reasonable. Self-preservation during these current times is very important. It’s uncomfortable to observe events as the ones we’ve been observing, but that also puts our values to the test, and forces us to put our current views into perspective. It’s important to acknowledge that negativity is real, make our own judgement and then distance ourselves from it, to allow ourselves to delve only deep enough to recognise (not doubt) our true nature, and not to get involved and dragged into the all the surrounding toxicity. It is essential that we can see clearly at all times, no matter what. More than ever now it is paramount to ensure we remain true to ourselves, for a better world. We’ll get through this stronger, together.