Very insightful. I don’t know how one can be paying attention to our politics these days and NOT be plagued by anxiety. I am glad that there are journalists willing to dive in and sort through the muck, to help make some sense and order out if the cacophony of chaos presented to us by the media at large.
“To focus on what matters to people.” I absolutely agree. Sadly, what matters to people has changed drastically over the decades. I've been retired for 15 years and I no longer recognize the politics or the media that cover politicians. I spent my entire working life immediately adjacent to politics and government. The first half was as a news executive and the second half was as a lobbying company executive. I was very successful at both career avenues because I was able to understand, and then focus, on what matters to people. However, today all that matters to so many in the political game is "winning." I don't doubt President Biden cares about what matters to people. He is, like me and others, "old school" and believes that issues matter. But no one reading "So What" believes issues matter much these days. Winning is all that matters and the horse race is mostly what gets covered. I would not have a successful career today. I am woefully out of step with the news business and the political business. But let me assure people lots younger than me, there was a time when issues mattered and -- whoo, boy! -- we had a wonderful time covering those issues and working to make things better for the people who thought they mattered. Those were the days and, yes, we thought they would never end. We were wrong.
This is an important topic. A couple weeks ago, I had an extended discussion with my therapist about the effect politics has and will have on my mental health in recent years and through the rest of this year. Politics isn't (directly) related to my work, but it's something I've always been extremely interested in and care a lot about. I have considered politics - especially in election years - my "hobby." And until recent years I've always firmly believed that (nearly) everyone in American government has good motives and tries to do what they think is best. The last several years have shaken me. My wife astutely noted that the Jan. 6 riot was a "wound to my soul." My "hobby" has been taken from me, and my faith in Americans' collective humanity has been shaken. This has been challenging - to put it mildly - to my mental health.
I like politics so much I became a "professional" in the 70s, learning the trade from guys like Jesse Unruh and Willie Brown - bare knuckle fighters if necessary, and always in service to trying to improve things. However, by 1979 I was on Marriage #2 that was headed toward the rocks. (both were excellent people; it was my fault things went where they did) That February, I went in for my flight physical and the examiner told me "I don't know what you do for a living, but if you keep it up you will have an ulcer in 2 years and a heart attack before you're 40." That was sobering. The year before, in search of a way to deal with that life, I took one of the "personal growth" seminars that were popular back then. I had a "mantra" that had come to me in an exercise: "I'm taking charge of my life and creating my own success."
Three months after that diagnosis, I followed my own advice and left that world. It turned out that was a good "boot camp" for where I ended up, in Hollywood. Also a stressful place, but I *liked* the stuff I was doing (till they stopped buying scripts for movies I would go to the theater to see). Now, I write about things that have always interested me since childhood, where I grew up reading about airplanes and World War II.
And I still write about politics. I just don't live it. I'm still working on making that mantra manifest.
"Following your joy" is hard work, but it sure beats the alternative. I am glad you're finding ways to do it that are good for you, Chris.
I take my philosophy of life from comedian George Burns: the secret to success is to find out what you enjoy doing, and then get someone to pay you for it.
I've never made the big bucks, but I've enjoyed what I've been doing, more often than not.
Amen to all of that! The current state of our divisive politics, and the media coverage of it, makes this topic very hard for me to read and digest. I have to take political news in little bites. Positive mental health is far more important than keeping up with the latest egregious lie that Trump said in a rally. Thank you Chris!
I am incredibly anxious these days. I don't listen to the news, but I read about it. The nastiness of republican politicians, and the bans they're legislating, make me so damn angry. Then today I read about Louisiana's governor signing a bill into law about the 10 commandments. I have a friend who has dementia and doesn't know anything about politics today. She's la de dah. I'm sort of jealous.
Such a weird atmosphere with everybody in their silo and suspicious of hidden [or not so hidden] agendas. A decade or so ago when I read "Team of Rivals" and its descriptions of the turmoil and realignment of the 1850s it reminded me of today. Most of my close friends are still on the left but there have been some defectors the last couple of years. The whole world seems to be flirting with RW authoritarians [not just us]. No good is going to come of this!
My recent travels with Diane and eight other couples through Sardinia and Corsica gave me a very valuable perspective. First, we were so focused on driving, eating, sleeping and driving again that the television never came on. I didn't even bring my MacBook. My DECADE SEVEN pieces had been written and scheduled to run while we were away for the most part.
Second, we were in a group of really interesting people who didn't much want to talk about politics.
The point is, for about 11 days, I really didn't focus on the madness around us. I came back feeling somehow different.
For me, writing is fun and fulfilling. And, I do enjoy learning that people enjoy the content.
Al From and I do a weekly commentary piece for an Eastern Shore digital publication where we talk about issues from our individual perspectives...often agreeing. In some ways, it's more satisfying reaching a smaller local audience that seems to tune in and appreciate the perspectives.
I think as long as we find the analysis and writing fulfilling, anxiety can be reduced if not avoided. However, like anything done to excess, it can be in some ways harmful.
The authors of novels I have known usually talk about finding a time to focus solely on their writing each day; but, after a few hours, they stop and live life. Seems like a pretty good prescription to me.
Thanks, as always, for you interesting discussions.
I think Trump & the Republican party bootlickers are what's bad for our mental health. I don't know if I can mentally survive another four years of Trump. I sympathize with the hosts of CNN & MSNBC for having to cover him. We can turn it off, but it's their job so they can't. Wonder how many martinis they have at night to calm themselves? I'm up to 2😉
Very insightful. I don’t know how one can be paying attention to our politics these days and NOT be plagued by anxiety. I am glad that there are journalists willing to dive in and sort through the muck, to help make some sense and order out if the cacophony of chaos presented to us by the media at large.
Thanks, Chris!
“To focus on what matters to people.” I absolutely agree. Sadly, what matters to people has changed drastically over the decades. I've been retired for 15 years and I no longer recognize the politics or the media that cover politicians. I spent my entire working life immediately adjacent to politics and government. The first half was as a news executive and the second half was as a lobbying company executive. I was very successful at both career avenues because I was able to understand, and then focus, on what matters to people. However, today all that matters to so many in the political game is "winning." I don't doubt President Biden cares about what matters to people. He is, like me and others, "old school" and believes that issues matter. But no one reading "So What" believes issues matter much these days. Winning is all that matters and the horse race is mostly what gets covered. I would not have a successful career today. I am woefully out of step with the news business and the political business. But let me assure people lots younger than me, there was a time when issues mattered and -- whoo, boy! -- we had a wonderful time covering those issues and working to make things better for the people who thought they mattered. Those were the days and, yes, we thought they would never end. We were wrong.
Thank you for doing this, Chris - a very important topic and great discussion!
Thanks for reading!
This is an important topic. A couple weeks ago, I had an extended discussion with my therapist about the effect politics has and will have on my mental health in recent years and through the rest of this year. Politics isn't (directly) related to my work, but it's something I've always been extremely interested in and care a lot about. I have considered politics - especially in election years - my "hobby." And until recent years I've always firmly believed that (nearly) everyone in American government has good motives and tries to do what they think is best. The last several years have shaken me. My wife astutely noted that the Jan. 6 riot was a "wound to my soul." My "hobby" has been taken from me, and my faith in Americans' collective humanity has been shaken. This has been challenging - to put it mildly - to my mental health.
Mental health is an underreported story--thank you for continuing to speak out about it!
I like politics so much I became a "professional" in the 70s, learning the trade from guys like Jesse Unruh and Willie Brown - bare knuckle fighters if necessary, and always in service to trying to improve things. However, by 1979 I was on Marriage #2 that was headed toward the rocks. (both were excellent people; it was my fault things went where they did) That February, I went in for my flight physical and the examiner told me "I don't know what you do for a living, but if you keep it up you will have an ulcer in 2 years and a heart attack before you're 40." That was sobering. The year before, in search of a way to deal with that life, I took one of the "personal growth" seminars that were popular back then. I had a "mantra" that had come to me in an exercise: "I'm taking charge of my life and creating my own success."
Three months after that diagnosis, I followed my own advice and left that world. It turned out that was a good "boot camp" for where I ended up, in Hollywood. Also a stressful place, but I *liked* the stuff I was doing (till they stopped buying scripts for movies I would go to the theater to see). Now, I write about things that have always interested me since childhood, where I grew up reading about airplanes and World War II.
And I still write about politics. I just don't live it. I'm still working on making that mantra manifest.
"Following your joy" is hard work, but it sure beats the alternative. I am glad you're finding ways to do it that are good for you, Chris.
I take my philosophy of life from comedian George Burns: the secret to success is to find out what you enjoy doing, and then get someone to pay you for it.
I've never made the big bucks, but I've enjoyed what I've been doing, more often than not.
Are you quoting me, Daniel? Because I know I've said very similar to this (not a complaint). :-)
George Burns really had it right.
Very very wise
I would add that covering politics online increases the stress exponentially. Keep social media to a minimum and your mind will be less cluttered!
Amen to all of that! The current state of our divisive politics, and the media coverage of it, makes this topic very hard for me to read and digest. I have to take political news in little bites. Positive mental health is far more important than keeping up with the latest egregious lie that Trump said in a rally. Thank you Chris!
An important piece. Thanks Tom you both.
I am incredibly anxious these days. I don't listen to the news, but I read about it. The nastiness of republican politicians, and the bans they're legislating, make me so damn angry. Then today I read about Louisiana's governor signing a bill into law about the 10 commandments. I have a friend who has dementia and doesn't know anything about politics today. She's la de dah. I'm sort of jealous.
What a great piece!!!!
Such a weird atmosphere with everybody in their silo and suspicious of hidden [or not so hidden] agendas. A decade or so ago when I read "Team of Rivals" and its descriptions of the turmoil and realignment of the 1850s it reminded me of today. Most of my close friends are still on the left but there have been some defectors the last couple of years. The whole world seems to be flirting with RW authoritarians [not just us]. No good is going to come of this!
Even by your standards, an exceptional essay
Such a great thought provoking piece!
My recent travels with Diane and eight other couples through Sardinia and Corsica gave me a very valuable perspective. First, we were so focused on driving, eating, sleeping and driving again that the television never came on. I didn't even bring my MacBook. My DECADE SEVEN pieces had been written and scheduled to run while we were away for the most part.
Second, we were in a group of really interesting people who didn't much want to talk about politics.
The point is, for about 11 days, I really didn't focus on the madness around us. I came back feeling somehow different.
For me, writing is fun and fulfilling. And, I do enjoy learning that people enjoy the content.
Al From and I do a weekly commentary piece for an Eastern Shore digital publication where we talk about issues from our individual perspectives...often agreeing. In some ways, it's more satisfying reaching a smaller local audience that seems to tune in and appreciate the perspectives.
I think as long as we find the analysis and writing fulfilling, anxiety can be reduced if not avoided. However, like anything done to excess, it can be in some ways harmful.
The authors of novels I have known usually talk about finding a time to focus solely on their writing each day; but, after a few hours, they stop and live life. Seems like a pretty good prescription to me.
Thanks, as always, for you interesting discussions.
Without a doubt.
I think Trump & the Republican party bootlickers are what's bad for our mental health. I don't know if I can mentally survive another four years of Trump. I sympathize with the hosts of CNN & MSNBC for having to cover him. We can turn it off, but it's their job so they can't. Wonder how many martinis they have at night to calm themselves? I'm up to 2😉