Thursday, July 7, 2011

The big picture,.....or a personal photo?

So many things going on in this big world. So many things going on in my little life. Which one do you think I should be focusing on?

I think people in general get so fed up with the monotony of their own daily problems and the reality that's right in your face, it is too easy to become more focused on the tabloid news. I found myself obsessed this year with the Casey Anthony trial, the Jon and Kate Drama, and hooked on several reality TV shows. Why?

Now, as I reflect back, I wonder why I am not more concerned that my country is on the verge of bankruptcy, that so many young soldiers are still dying for whatever political actions that are active at the moment. The moral fiber of my country is degrading at a more rapid rate than I could ever imagine, to match the economic decline that surrounds us. Insurrection and rebellion, coupled with the lack of respect for our fellow man and the laws of both state and religion are propelling us into a spiral of hate and violent behaviors.

I surmise the reason for my lack of interest is the simple fact I am turning the other cheek at the things I have no control over. I hide in the world of other peoples drama and problems. I take interest in how they react and respond to solving their dilemmas, when I cannot solve my own. It is my escape.

I believe it is healthy to escape for a little while. I imagine without a break from the everyday reality of my own problems and the stress of the bigger issues my mental state would blow a fuse. I have no answer to how long I should escape. I know full well all the things I am ignoring are still there. I know there are things that need to be dealt with on a personal level and things I should be more concerned with on a world level. When I am ready, I will tackle them. But for today, I think I'll step back and enjoy the sunshine and worry about what color mulch my flower beds need. That's something in my face everyday, and I have total control over. It may not matter in the big picture, but it matters to me.