Dear Friends...

[materra]

I want to ask all of you to take a news break, starting now, from all the news for all the various horrors and terrible events of the recent past. Why? Because we are beginning to risk our emotional health. I don't know about everyone that comes here by any means, but Katrina and all the terrible tragic things that have occurred, and are occurring, throughout our world risk our well being.

The news will be there when you get back. Walk away for a time. Take 24 hours off from this diet of tragedy; spare your children the possiblity of PTSD from the endless pictures of this terrible storm, war, or local event. For a brief time let go of the situation and the damage it brought. Give yourself a chance to breath and remember that life does go on in the larger scheme of the universe. Take a few moments to count your blessings where they exist. Grieve where needed, and remember them all. Treasure what really matters in this world. Hug your family and friends; enjoy them to the fullest.

You don't need to batter yourself, your emotions, your minds or your hearts watching an endless round of tragedy, news, speculation and hype. Remember, if you take care of yourself, your loved ones will have you there for them when they need you. It will also strengthen you for the days ahead to meet the challenge of rebuilding, helping and finding the energy to fill the gaps a tragedy leaves.

Please, take a break, take two breaks... your spirits, families and friends will be all the better for it. Warm hugs to you all.

[Teresa]

:heartthro :hugz:

[atropa]

You're right, of course. I don't think I'm quite ready to do that, but probably tomorrow or the next day. When I see that people at the convention center are finally being taken care of I will.

[Flar's Freyja]

That's actually the same advice given by professionals :hugz:

Last night I had to pull myself away from CNN. I knew that if I didn't, I'd be watching for hours on end as I did in the weeks/months after 9/11. The war never did stop depressing me, and these events have brought me down even more.

[Shanti]

My kids have control of the tv right now...nicktoons!!! :)

[Faery-Wings]

Great advice. I learned my lesson after 9/11. I try to get my news online- no video feeds at all. I was at the drs office and they had the news on, all I could think was "this is why I don't watch news any more."

Here in NJ, we are expecting beautiful weather. Get outside, take a walk and feel the warm sun on your face. Trust that life goes on.

:hugz:

[bbnflpn]

i have been so put off by the news i dont think that i have watched it in over a year. when my boyfreind is watching it i ask him to change the station unless there is soemthing major going on. i had a long talk with a freind of mine (from new orleans) he is safe as well as his family but he was telling me to not watch the news cause all it would do is make me mad. hes stopped watching it cause it was angering him to the piont that he was ashamed to be from new orleans. from what he told me he said that with all the terrible things that have been going on that the next time they need help thepeople that have been so helpfull this time around might think twice about helping them again. and that is a sad thing to hear. people takeing advantage of the kindness that has been shown to them. he said it was embarrasing. i wont go in to what he told me but let me tell you it is terrible, and im not just talking about looting. even the efforts to help the victoms that are still stranded have been awful i guess there is a overpass that has a few people on it for the last 5-6 days that have not been given any food or water or any rescue attempt. the more i think about it it makes me sad to think that such cruelty exists in this world. for those who need it most. they get their houses looted and then set on fire. what kind of people do this kind of thing. its not nessessity that is the cause (ie food clothes water,ect) it is pure greed. i am glad that i am not watching the news cause i would probably want to blow up my tv

[TaysatWesir]

Your post really touched me reading it to my mother who not pagan but agrees we need a news break

[Pagan Mantis]

Thanks for the warm blessings, and I agree with everyone. The news has had me turned off to watching tv at the primetime hours anyway. The media usually only shows what they want you to see, so I just watch a movie, go on a nature walk if possible, etc.

[LacyRoze]

Once I know the fate of my sister I'll be happy to walk away...

[Haruka2077]

I'm with you Materra... My anxiety is starting to kick into overdrive & I need to focus on taking care of Wynnie. Thanks for the nudge. :)

[pawnman]

Can you tell my local stations that? This storm has pre-empted two of my favorite shows. I could understand if they had anything useful to say, but it's the same footage and same stories over and over again. I want to watch House and CSI, thanks. If I wanted more news coverage, I'd turn on one of my twelve news channels.

[Faery-Wings]

Once I know the fate of my sister I'll be happy to walk away...
hugs darlin'

[Old Witch]

I'm doing exactly that.......Watched Regis and Kelly and now the View.........

[SilentDreams]

I don't watch the news much so I didn't even know of Katrina's damage until a little after it'd all happened. Since then I've caught various news reports, its so devastating. Thats why I try not to watch the news in the first place, it can be such a emotionally draining thing. I'm going to stop watching the Katrina reports now though. I know the situation, I doubt its improved from yesterday, so I think a day or two news break will be fine.

[Flar's Freyja]

Once I know the fate of my sister I'll be happy to walk away...

:hugz:

It must be very hard when you have a loved one there. CNN has set up something on their website with lists of people looking for people.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/hurricanes/list/ (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/hurricanes/list/)

They also mentioned that one of the LA newspapers has been publishing lists. Have you tried looking any of those up?

[LacyRoze]

:hugz:

It must be very hard when you have a loved one there. CNN has set up something on their website with lists of people looking for people. They also mentioned that one of the LA newspapers has been publishing lists. Have you tried looking any of those up?

Thank you for the hug, it's much needed.

I'm checking numerous survivors lists almost hourly. I've also posted on every message board I can find. My brother has contacted a news station in his area that is supposedly going into Pascagoula today and they are offering their assistance to us. It's just a matter of time before we hear something. Waiting is the hard part..

[AutumnWitchie]

I started taking a break from the news yesterday. I'm only watching the evening news.

LacyRoze, I hope youe get good news soon about your sister. :hugz: Will make an offering to the Goddess for you to get word of your sister being safe and sound.