I find myself in the middle of a hiatus from regular blogging – most likely coinciding with my recent discovery of the wonders of less social media in my life. You see, I kind of feel like I actually don’t have that much to say right now. It’s not that there’s a lack of absurd or horrific things happening in the world, it’s just that I don’t really feel all that compelled or qualified to write about them.

And I guess that’s what this blog is…a post about not having to have anything to say. I feel really tired of being outraged. Whenever I open a news page, social media feed or even my Google feed, it’s like a constant litany of invitations to have a strong opinion about everything. I’m constantly being asked to pick a side, and you know what? For once in my overly-opinionated life, I just don’t feel like putting my precious energy into having strong feelings into things so far outside of my everyday existence. (I’ve even noticed a number of ‘articles’ that are essentially just recapping different people’s strong opinions on something someone famous posted. Amazing.)

I’m not saying there’s not a time for outrage – it’s just when outrage is called for from every quarter, 24/7, it begins to take a toll. You see, our anger, when coupled with meaningful action, can be a powerful force for change and for good. However, when our anger has no purposeful outlet, it turns in on us and begins eating away at our peace and joy. And the realities of life dictate that there are only a certain number of causes for which we can wield the sword of justice.

If I’m really going to invest my emotional and mental energy into getting passionate about an issue, I would like to become well-versed enough on the topic so that I’m not just spouting a quote I read somewhere on Instagram. I’d like to listen to the various sides to the debate and consider hard evidence. I would like to get close enough to the issue that I become aware of genuinely helpful steps to take – to arm my passion with hands and feet, so I don’t end up just sitting under a smouldering heap of shit, shaking my fist at the universe.

So, I’ve given myself permission to not take the weight of the world on my shoulders, get offended on others’ behalf, and impotently rage at the government – and instead, choose a couple of things I am passionate about, and put my resources toward those areas. It’s really freeing. It may mean at times that I’m not up on the latest issue doing the rounds in the media, and that when someone asks me what I think, I might have to look a little ignorant – but I’m prepared to make that trade for a more rested inner world.

Some new phrases I’m trying out include:
“I don’t know”
“I don’t care”
“I don’t really want to talk about it anymore – it makes me feel itchy on the inside”

So take this as your permission to peace out sometimes…. or more often than that. It may not be the done thing right now, but outrage culture is not out to look after your well-being – that’s something only you can do.

Love you friends,

Deb xx