Coping mechanism is blocking news websites on my phone. It stops the mindless scrolling and bombardment of doom. It does feel bad currently but I’m at the point where I can only focus on what I have direct influence eg my kids.
Coping is right... your Substack, along with Chris Philpotts keep giving me new rabbit holes to explore - this week has been non stop Lambrini Girls and Delivery. Love chanting 'C U N T I know what's best for me' under my breath as I'm running.
I've also made it my mission to avoid 'news' for the next month - let's get through the inevitably crazy shit and settle in to a new world order. Being constantly reminded about all the terrible things is draining, and between you, SYSCA and Weborm, I'm pretty sure I have my 'current affairs' covered.
Looking forward to stuff helps to - Shihad in Napier, D4 at Totara St and C.O.F.F.I.N under the harbour bridge are beacons of fun over the next few weeks.
The more we get into this year the more I’m thinking that we’re not built to deal with having all of the world’s pain at our fingertips. Distance is crucial eh? You’re the second person to tell me you’re having a news blackout today and I’m inclined to agree with you.
Could you imagine if they had our access to news from 1929-1945? I think the distance saved a lot of sanity. (Edit: This was a pretty flippant comment as I realise people were experiencing it for real. Although this is how I tell myself things aren’t THAT BAD)
Scrimshire's Music for Autumn Lovers is a very safe bet for dialling the stress levels down. Really relaxing and moving autumnal jazz on an acoustic-instrumental lean.
One of the things that got me thru last week was discovering Lambrini Girls via Chris P's newsletter, and then watching this gloriously raucous live set from KEXP, shot while they were touring with Amyl and the Sniffers, which would be an amazing double bill. They are rebellious and joyous as hell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7BfivzIreo
Balancing wanting to follow the news hellscape with the need for space is a tough one. Ive focussed on bill submissions to oppose the multiple ways this coalition govt are trying to write the Treaty of Waitiangi obligations out of any bill they can. You made a deal, honour it.
Ive also read some good stories on focussing on what you can control (eg contributing to your community in meaningful ways), and also on what brings you joy. We can be angry at the state of the world, and also find joy as an act of rebellion against the idiocracy. Which is basically dancing, lots. Works for me.
Coping mechanism is blocking news websites on my phone. It stops the mindless scrolling and bombardment of doom. It does feel bad currently but I’m at the point where I can only focus on what I have direct influence eg my kids.
Music helps too!
Excellent idea! I need to do this also. Yet I pay for the New York Times but can’t unsubscribe because my family play the games every day…
I had that too but pulled the pin about June last year
#2025goals
Coping is right... your Substack, along with Chris Philpotts keep giving me new rabbit holes to explore - this week has been non stop Lambrini Girls and Delivery. Love chanting 'C U N T I know what's best for me' under my breath as I'm running.
I've also made it my mission to avoid 'news' for the next month - let's get through the inevitably crazy shit and settle in to a new world order. Being constantly reminded about all the terrible things is draining, and between you, SYSCA and Weborm, I'm pretty sure I have my 'current affairs' covered.
Looking forward to stuff helps to - Shihad in Napier, D4 at Totara St and C.O.F.F.I.N under the harbour bridge are beacons of fun over the next few weeks.
The more we get into this year the more I’m thinking that we’re not built to deal with having all of the world’s pain at our fingertips. Distance is crucial eh? You’re the second person to tell me you’re having a news blackout today and I’m inclined to agree with you.
Could you imagine if they had our access to news from 1929-1945? I think the distance saved a lot of sanity. (Edit: This was a pretty flippant comment as I realise people were experiencing it for real. Although this is how I tell myself things aren’t THAT BAD)
Scrimshire's Music for Autumn Lovers is a very safe bet for dialling the stress levels down. Really relaxing and moving autumnal jazz on an acoustic-instrumental lean.
https://scrimshire.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-autumn-lovers-2
Quiet Village's Reunion single is equally nice. Stunning modern hi-tek jazz.
https://quietvillageofc.bandcamp.com/album/reunion
Knopha's Water Play has been a lush listen as well.
https://mulemusiq.bandcamp.com/album/water-play
music, still getting it done.
great recommendations!
One of the things that got me thru last week was discovering Lambrini Girls via Chris P's newsletter, and then watching this gloriously raucous live set from KEXP, shot while they were touring with Amyl and the Sniffers, which would be an amazing double bill. They are rebellious and joyous as hell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7BfivzIreo
Balancing wanting to follow the news hellscape with the need for space is a tough one. Ive focussed on bill submissions to oppose the multiple ways this coalition govt are trying to write the Treaty of Waitiangi obligations out of any bill they can. You made a deal, honour it.
Ive also read some good stories on focussing on what you can control (eg contributing to your community in meaningful ways), and also on what brings you joy. We can be angry at the state of the world, and also find joy as an act of rebellion against the idiocracy. Which is basically dancing, lots. Works for me.