This is not a column about sour grapes…I have a tremendous respect for my friends and colleagues in the news business, BUT…
They work very hard to do a good job. My beef is more at the national level. Since 9-11 and up until I left WOAI last year, viewers constantly told me they don’t like to watch the news because it’s so negative. Now more than ever, I see what they mean.
The 24 hour news cycle eats, lives and breathes off of bad news. And you know what, if you watch enough of it, you start to feel like we’re living in perilous times with no hope of any way out of the economic challenges we have. I am now doing what many viewers over the years have told me they do, ignore it…turn it off.
Often news plays to the ‘fear factor’ because frankly, (according to the consultants) that’s what sells! But, you don’t have to be part of that captive audience, glued to every little ounce of bad news about the economy. Jeez, if I listened to that stuff every day I would never be able to get any work done without second guessing every decision and being afraid to move forward. Fear paralizes.
Sure, we have challenges, but we also have a god-given ability to rise above them. Positive energy, positive thoughts and a positive outlook can move mountains. I may not be able to improve the economy, but if I work harder, think more creatively and just concentrate on what’s good and not on what’s bad, I can make a difference in my own life and business.
Frankly, I believe a lot of the ‘bad’ news on the economy these days wouldn’t be as bad if the media hadn’t been so ‘thorough’ in its coverage. In my opinion, they’ve helped prime the pump.
Mike and I made last minute plans this weekend to have a Valentine’s dinner at Morton’s, which as you know is a partner on our website. Not only was Morton’s packed beyond belief, downtown was a major traffic jam. Lots of people were out celebrating. And, if you went to the grocery store Saturday, you probably saw similar crowds.
We are so fortunate to be in San Antonio – all in all our city is doing well on many levels. Let’s celebrate the good, the positive…the very fact that we have a choice whether to dwell on the negative or celebrate the positive. So, give it a shot – the next time you hear those depressing headlines, think about reaching for the remote. Pour a nice glass of wine, pop in a Netflix and smile – the sun will come up tomorrow.
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