At this point in our lives, every moment counts. We can hear the clock ticking and we want to make the most of every opportunity. So our daily choices include a mindset of purpose, now more than ever. Like making good mental health choices by coming against TV negativity as soon as it enters our living room. BAM!
We are acutely aware that our remaining time is finite. It always has been. It’s just that now, we feel the urgency to finish well.
Part One: Dealing with Algorithms
Which brings us to the challenge of Google & YouTube’s algorithms. When we innocently research ONE question, one concern – like am I getting enough Vitamin D – and the next thing you know, you are inundated with info about deficiencies of all kinds, warnings about every blood pressure medication – by name – and how no matter what you are doing, you are at risk. Doom-scrolling!
And this is not just a one time event. Now every time you access the apps, there it is – forever – like when you were in school – it is now part of your PERMANENT RECORD!
If there were not a cumulative effect – if it did not seep into our subconscious – I would say, “Let it go!” But now, with an on-purpose mindset, it may be helpful to end our daily algorithm onslaught by researching something that is positive, like “How many butterflies are there in the U.S?” or “How does a lathe work?” Then tomorrow, that is what greets you.
Part Two: Social Media
Older folks like us mainly use Facebook as our social media platform. We are used to it, we know how it works, and our acquaintances are on it. But just like we teach our teens, self-esteem issues and privacy concerns remain.
When I recently updated my FB page, I added a nice pic … of happy me … from 10 years ago. When comments poured in from my 23 friends about how great I look, I quickly informed everyone that the pic was a decade old. “After that, I just got old!” But I didn’t have to. I could have left others to question their own appearance and walk away feeling like less.
Here’s the thing … life’s challenges show … on your face … no matter how much wrinkle cream you use. Without apology. Life can be hard. Worrisome. Stressful. And after the storm, we need time to recover. Even our face needs a time of peace.
So enjoy the truths you read online. Rejoice with the friends who are walking in grace. But never question your own life choices. Live with purpose to finish well. Look forward. And stay in The Light!
Part Three: The 2am Temptation
You already know where this conversation is going. You wake up at 2am ALL DONE! The question is … what do you do next because that will determine the quality of sleep that remains.
In the 1950’s our grandparents had a routine. They would go to bed at 7pm and set the alarm for 11:00pm. Then they would get up to watch Jack Parr and party. Some time later, they would go back to bed and sleep the rest of the night. There is some wisdom in accommodating for a senior’s changes in their circadian rhythm.
The solution is simple … have a plan! With no doom scrolling allowed.
Oscar often gets up, lets his dog out for a minute, and then sits with her in his living room chair. When he is ready and the dog is peaceful, he climbs back into his loft.
My routine is less ambitious. I have an old iPad set on airplane mode with cued up jigsaw puzzles. Also a Sudoku challenge downloaded. I snack on a small container of cinnamon Chex cereal and enjoy the worry-free zone – on purpose – until sleep comes.
Thanks for reading our blog … its a doom-scrolling free zone!