The Mole Knows

Whether it is a small personal irritation, or an international political snafu, it increases in importance the more attention it is given.

I have found that "keeping the mental pot boiling" over a real or imagined wrong is a sure way to lose sleep, experience a stomach ache and become very touchy. Besides what good does it do anyway? Other than give the irritation or snafu power over you, it doesn't solve a thing.

The author, Don Miguel Ruiz, in his guide to personal freedom titled "The Four Agreements" states his second agreement thusly, "Don't take anything personally."

This is the tenant many people have the most difficulty following, especially if they have been raised in a critical atmosphere. Even governments take slights too seriously.

In a recent Lovely County Citizen Newspaper, Editor Mary Pat Boian discusses a similar notion in her editorial. She feels that the media is at fault for keeping our world constantly churning. I agree. Certainly journalists have the habit of making mountains out of mole hills. One never knows how some rogue state such as North Korea, Iran or Pakistan will react to the world's continued media hype.

The media seems to have lost their responsibility to report the news clearly, succinctly and without exaggeration. There is enough amazement and consternation in current events. We do not need more panoply.

So, let's all lead by example. Slow down, take a breath and hold our tempers. It could level many existing mountains and mole hills.