Day 33: May 3, 2024
What are My Thoughts Today?
I think the headline that caught my eye the most in the last couple years was that people who drank in moderation (if you read the whole article, it said four drinks a week) have better health outcomes than people who never drank (former drinkers were excluded because they likely did have health impacts that encouraged them to stop drinking). But again, if you read the entire article you would see that the benefit was so marginal that it was ridiculous they were even publishing an article about it. I will say in recent years it does seem like alcohol is getting less of a positive rep in the news. Like Canada just lowered the amount to two drinks a week for safe consumption levels. So marketers had to develop a new kind of clickbait, which reports on how various celebrities thought that number was ridiculously low and that they planned to keep drinking the same amount. I find that to be very interesting. They had to come up with a new way to make drinking seem cool now that the information publicly available about alcohol is less shiny.
An important thing to remember when thinking about the state of today's media: Although the technology we have to share information has greatly improved and allows for quicker access to information, human error is just as likely as it has always been. So it's up to us to be mindful about what information we share, and to take responsibility for reading the whole article before spreading information. Most likely the headline has been designed to be triggering in some way to increase the chances of us sharing it, as sharing equates to profits in today's news industry.
I have been really struggling with social media for this reason. The headline culture is so damaging because it basically keeps everyone in a state of rage or frenzy or panic. I think it ties in with alcohol, in that getting a quick hit of dopamine from sharing some kind of inflammatory article is not unlike taking a drink. We are messing with our own brain chemistry because we're not allowing news to be digested slowly and without as much bias. Now we relish in shares and a feeling of celebrity status through our social media accounts. It's pretty messed up, and I even see it in social justice movements I care about, which makes me sad. I thought these groups would be able to recognize how counter-productive spreading inflammatory news is to positive social change, but I think everyone is susceptible to the idea of getting "social media famous" (I am no exception). I don't think it's because we're bad people, it's just such an insidious and biologically hardwired need, to be relevant and included, that social media basically hijacks us. I know this is about alcohol, but I can't help seeing the dopamine comparisons!
Drinks since April 1st: 0
My Why: To give myself the best chance of experiencing a well-balanced and fulfilling life.
What's One Awesome Thing that Happened Yesterday because I Chose Not to Drink? I felt more cheerful in the morning and was inspired to call an elderly friend / mentor I hadn't seen in awhile, which brightened my day.
Daily Affirmations:
1) I enjoy freedom from alcohol.
2) I choose to live mindfully.
3) I respect and honor myself.
4) I am worthy of love and care.
5) I give myself patience to heal.
6) I have compassion for others.
7) I create beauty all around me.
