Entry#4: Death

    Death is an experience that everyone eventually faces, yet it remains one of the most taboo subjects. The fear of the unknown often accompanies death, leading to discomfort and anxiety. So, how can one come to terms with the idea of death and feel at ease with the inevitability of losing loved ones? 

    Recently, my cat passed away, and I was overcome with grief. I have two other cats, and this loss made me anxious about their lives and how I will handle their eventual passing. I began to reflect on how I could ease my anxiety and become more comfortable with the idea that it’s okay for both animals and people to die. In my search for answers, I came across an article titled How to get more comfortable with death  by Racheal Menzies, a clinical psychologist, which I found particularly helpful. 

                Here are some key points from the article:

                            • You’re not alone.

                            • Understand why you feel this way:

                            • What is bad about death?

                            • What types of death are you worried about?

                            • If you (or someone you love) were to die, what would be bad about it?

                            • Don’t feed into the anxiety; try not to surround yourself with negative thoughts about death.

     Menzies emphasizes that it’s okay to feel fear and discomfort around death, and acknowledging these feelings can help reduce anxiety. Recognizing that death is a natural part of life can make it easier to cope with both our own mortality and the passing of others. 

    Being able to accept death as a part of life can be very hard, but understanding the underlying reason for our fear and addressing them can help manage anxiety. It is important to recognize that we are not alone in our feelings, and it is ok to be fearful. With time, reflection and understanding of one’s self can help navigate the discomfort/anxiety that comes with death and find peace in the face of loss.

Entry#3: The Art of Not Telling

I can truly say that I have consumed media—whether it be social media or articles—and there have been times when I’ve encountered something called slanted reporting. Slanted reporting happens when the news reports a story but adds or removes important information in subtle ways that introduce bias, without clearly stating an opinion. This is done to sway the reader’s or viewer’s perspective, nudging them to align with the article’s implied viewpoint, even if it isn’t directly stated. You may not notice it at first, but it’s there, influencing the way you think, feel, or perceive things.

A good example of this can be found in the coverage of the Israel and Hamas conflict by the BBC. In the New York Post article, “BBC accused of breaching its editorial guidelines 1,553 times in Israel-Hamas coverage” it was pointed out that the coverage seemed to place more blame on Israel than on Hamas, using very unfavorable terms like “genocide.” At the same time, the BBC didn’t use harsh language toward Hamas or refer to them as terrorists, despite the fact that government officials do. This is a clear example of slanted reporting—it’s not necessarily “fake news,” but it’s news that leaves out critical details or uses specific language to push you toward supporting one side over the other.

As people, we need to recognize this kind of reporting. So, how do we come to terms with it? I’d suggest asking three important questions: 1.) Who is providing this information? 2.) What is the evidence trying to persuade you to believe? and 3.) Is it trying to tell you how to think? To spot slanted reporting, we must ask ourselves these questions and form our own opinions. That’s why it’s essential to QUESTION EVERYTHING YOU READ! Look up multiple sources, try to see the full picture, and always remain aware and educated. Awareness helps keep us informed and prevents us from being misled.

Entry #2: Rituals and Routines

We, as humans, often stick to familiarity. But why is that? People tend to fall into familiar patterns because of the comfort they provide. I recently read an article titled Familiarity Breeds Enjoyment, which discusses how doing things in a familiar environment creates a sense of "knowing what to expect." We, or more likely most of us, are not always eager to face the unknown. For example, at a party, you're likely to stay near your friends because it feels comfortable and familiar.

The article also touches on trying new foods, drinks, and music. For me, my pattern has always been food. Since kindergarten, I've always loved Mac and Cheese. Every time I see it on a menu, I can't resist ordering it. I also tend to ask for a Shirley Temple when I'm out, even though I know it's something I've ordered countless times. I realize now that I do this because I'm playing it safe. I fear that I might dislike something unfamiliar, or I might find the name of a new dish off-putting.

Fear often holds us back from trying new things, and I think many people feel the same way. The root cause is highly likely the unknown outcome, or the fear of feeling like we either will mess up, say the wrong thing, fail, maybe all of them. So, how does one step outside of their familiar circles?

Ok ok what I’m trying to say is that, even though we often hunker within our comfort zones, it's worth trying something new. Go try that weird menu item you can't pronounce or talk to that person at a party. People hold themselves back due to discomfort and fear, but stepping out of that familiar space can lead to unexpected surprises and personal growth.