Tough-It-Out Tuesday
Phew! News just keeps going from bad to worse. There’s even a hurricane headed toward Texas.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the bad news, and feel like your own life is severely impacted by all the tough stuff you see on T.V. But try to keep things in perspective. A wise man once told me not to worry about the things you see on T.V. They probably won’t happen to you.
I’m not sure if I agree with that entirely, but I do understand that newspapers and media only exist to make money. Bad news=revenue. How much money could a media company make if today’s headline reads “Breaking News: Nothing Bad To Report Today”. That would be boring. Blood and Guts sell, Nice doesn’t.
I like to keep up with the news everyday. But there is no denying that this habit makes for some anxious moments. A daily newspaper habit is enough to convince any reasonably sane person that the world is going mad. But look at your own life. Is it really going mad? You still have your friends, your job, and your hobbies. You’re still living your life. Your life hasn’t come to a screeching halt just because some AP writer says it should. Maybe you’ve had to make adjustments because of higher gas and food prices, but you’re still you, and I’m still me.
So I wouldn’t blame you if you decide to cancel your newspaper subscription. By the way, have you noticed that newspapers prices have gone up too? Why? I thought newspapers made their revenue from advertising, and there sure seems as if there is enough ads on two pages of your average paper to pay the bills down in the newsroom. Canceling your subscription would be a great Idea for Frugal Living, not to mention it would probably go a long way towards improving your mental health. Besides, you can get the news online for free (I know, an Internet connection costs money, but you probably have one already. Make the most of it).
So today is Tough-It-Out-Tuesday. Things always get better. Don’t let all the bad news get you down.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Amen! Frequently, I like to compare the gloom and doom stories on the news to what is really happening in my neighborhood, just to get a reality check. Life goes on! I really don’t even notice anyone’s habits curtailed much with the recent rising prices. The only habits I’ve changed significantly is to rely much less on meals out (combined gas and luxury spending) and to put something extremely simple on the table for dinner (like egg-salad, or tomato basil soup and bread). Before, it wouldn’t have been good enough. Now, it satisfies completely, is cheap, costs no extra gas to get, and cleanup is a snap. Here’s a thought for Tough it Out Tuesday: frugal living uncomplicates your life!
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:18 am
I know, it’s strange that my true source of anxiety about these tough economic times is really the newspaper and tv, not the actual facts of my life. I’m a worry-wart though, so I can’t help but get caught up in it sometimes. It’s true about frugal living uncomplicating your life - it’s easier to maintain your standard of living, even in tough economic times, when you adhere to frugal principles (at least most of the time!). I love egg salad, too! with tomato basil soup and bread (homemade?) that sounds like the most satisfying frugal meal. Yum!