We’re diving into a theme this week that might feel very real and very current. And maybe even a little messy.

The world IS messy — and we’re not here to fix it all in one week, but we are here to start having healthier conversations with ourselves about how we take in information, stay grounded, and still choose hope.

Let’s be honest: it’s hard out there. Between stressful headlines, political turmoil, misinformation, and even pressure from social media influencers who seem to be living perfect lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — or worse, numb.

This week is about being intentional about your intake. That includes news, social media, political discourse, and even the subtle (or not so subtle) messages you absorb from influencer culture.

We’re going to talk about how to hold space for truth without spiraling, and how to build habits that keep you engaged without burning out. And yes — we’re going to talk about politics too, because it’s part of life. And ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

Tips for Staying Mindful About What You Consume:

🧠 Ask yourself: Is this nourishing me? Nourishment isn’t just about good feelings — it’s about content that invites reflection, expands perspective, or helps you stay rooted in your values.

🗞️ Choose thoughtful sources: Seek out journalism or commentary that aims to inform, not inflame.

Why Our “Media Diet” Matters

So: why should we care about what we’re watching, reading, or scrolling through? 

Here’s the honest answer: because media in all forms isn’t just entertainment — it’s influence. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we treat others, and how we understand the world around us.

If we’re absorbing a constant stream of chaos, drama, or misinformation, it can build a steady layer of anxiety, even if we don’t notice it right away.

If the stories we’re fed are narrow, incomplete, or skewed, they start to shape what we believe is normal, true or worthy of our attention. 

In other words: OUR ATTENTION IS POWERFUL!

And where we place it impacts how we move through the world.

Media is one of the main ways we learn about what’s happening around us. It’s how we learn who’s struggling, who’s being silenced, what rights are at risk, and what kind of future is being shaped by those in power.

So no, you don’t have to watch every debate or know every headline. But becoming a little more aware as to what you’re taking in — otherwise known as your “Media Diet” — can make you more grounded, more compassionate, and more empowered.

🎯 Optional Mini Challenge:

In one short paragraph or a few bullet points, write what you want your “Media Diet” to reflect. What kind of content are you drawn to? What do you want to protect your energy from? What’s one value you want to keep front and center when you’re scrolling, watching, or reading?

Digital Boundaries

We’re constantly plugged in. We live in a world where so much is fighting for our eyes, our energy, and our emotional bandwidth.

Between group chats, social media updates, work emails, news alerts, and “just one more scroll before bed,” it’s easy to feel like we’re living in a mental ping-pong match.

When we don’t set clear boundaries around our tech and screen time, it becomes harder to stay present, protect our peace, and focus on what actually matters.

And this isn’t about villainizing our phones or social media — it’s about reclaiming our sense of control in a world that’s always buzzing. So, when we’re too digitally available, we risk being shaped by everything we didn’t consciously choose.

And if we DO care about social issues and want to be informed, compassionate, engaged people — then boundaries aren’t a luxury. They’re a NECESSITY. 

Digital Boundary Practices:

📵 Be picky about what you let in: You don’t have to read every headline or watch every clip. You get to choose what you take in — and what you don’t.

🧭 Check in with your values: Stepping back from the scroll helps you reconnect with what really matters to you — not just what’s trending.

🤝 Set the tone: Notice how you engage with tech. When you set healthy boundaries, you're also showing your loved ones how to stay grounded in a noisy world.

🎯 Optional Mini Challenge:

Try a “Digital Cleanse Moment” today — not as a detox, but as a reset. Mute a few noisy sources. Log off for one hour. Unfollow accounts that trigger you. Replace one scroll session with reading, journaling, checking in on someone, or simply doing nothing at all.

Media Literacy and Misinformation

Think about how easy it is to get pulled into media, headlines, and influencer culture. It’s all around us. But how much of it is actually true? 

In a world where information is always available at our fingertips, knowing how to analyze what we see is more important than ever. Today’s media landscape is flooded with influencers, viral content, clickbait headlines, and ads that can sometimes distort reality.

I am pretty sure that this is obvious BUT what if I told you that not everything you see online is an accurate reflection of real life? 😜

Whether it’s a “perfect” workout routine or a “seamless” morning routine, influencers often create content to sell a dream — not reality. And that dream often DOESN’T account for the realities of family life, busy jobs, mental health struggles, and so much more.

In today’s world, how can we trust what we’re seeing? 

Being “media literate” means knowing how to critically evaluate sources, understand how stories are framed, and recognize the intentions behind the content. 

Remember, media literacy isn’t just about recognizing the fake — it’s about learning to pause and question what you’re consuming.

How to Discern What’s Real and What Isn’t

🔍 Fact-checking is your friend: Before sharing or believing anything online, take a moment to verify the source. It’s worth the few extra minutes.

🧠 Ask who benefits: When you see content from an influencer or media outlet, ask: Who stands to gain from this? Understanding the motive helps you evaluate its reliability.

🌟 Recognize “highlight reels”: Influencers often showcase the best moments of their lives—remember, what you see is only a snapshot, not the full picture.

🚨 Don’t fall for urgency: A lot of content is designed to provoke emotional reactions: fear, excitement, outrage. If you feel strongly about something, take a step back and reflect before acting or sharing. 

🧘 Mind your emotional response: If something triggers an emotional reaction — whether it’s excitement, anxiety, or anger — take a break. Step back and ask if this content is serving your well-being.

Finding Hope

Our last talking point might be the most important one: we're talking about hope.

Hope doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine.

It means acknowledging the hard stuff and choosing to believe that something better is still possible.

In media and political conversations, there’s often this pressure to either be relentlessly positive or endlessly cynical.

But you’re allowed to live in the in between — where reality is honored and hope is still possible.

Tips for Cultivating Hope in a Noisy World:

💖 Seek out stories of progress: Even small wins matter.

🌱 Celebrate collective action: Change rarely comes from one person — look to the community.

🫂 Engage, don’t isolate: Staying connected to others who care helps you stay hopeful too.

✨ Don’t confuse hope with naïveté: Hope is courageous, not fluffy.

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Thank you for reading!

There is a lot of chaos happening in the world right now, and we hope you picked up a few tips from this post about how to navigate it with your mental health in mind.

But more than that, we want you to know that we're in this with you, and we hope our focus sessions can be a place where you can dive into what's meaningful and important to you, find a supportive community, and recharge yourself.

P.S. If you could use help accomplishing your goals this season, please join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions!

Take care,

— Suliel, focused space host