Why Pickleball Continues To Surge In Popularity

As warmer weather opens up more outdoor opportunities in the northern hemisphere, a seasoned writer’s thoughts turn to Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

Shameless personal anecdote: I’ve played countless sets of tennis and entered several tournaments in my younger days, even winning one in a fierce three-set final against a good friend, with most games going to several deuces, not to mention a couple of outbursts from both he and I on close line calls. With my overall results and that victory in mind, and playing and practicing every day, I thought I was on my way to a professional career. However, fantasy crashed into reality when we moved to California, and I joined the high school tennis team. I was No. 5, and our No. 1 player was one of the best in Northern California. When I played him in an intrasquad match, I realized I better consider other career options after he wiped the court with me in a 6-1, 6-0 drubbing. That love set was the first time I got skunked 6-0 in either a friendly or a tournament match. I’ve played plenty of ping-pong and the odd badminton match, but Pickleball? Nope, I haven’t played it yet, although I intend to try it at least once. But I digress.

Pickleball has surged in popularity in recent years, with courts popping up everywhere like weeds in a garden. It’s actually been around since the 1960s, and I remember reading about it during my tennis life and seeing pictures in tennis magazines (There was no Internet back then). Like the tennis boom in the 1970s, Pickleball is enjoying its own boom, with millions across the globe taking up the game. As of 2025, there are an estimated 20 million pickleball players in the U.S. alone.

Pickleball’s popularity is attributed to its accessibility and social nature. The game is a quick learn, making it appealing to newcomers, while its fast pace of play keeps experienced players coming back for more. The smaller court size compared to tennis leads to quick rallies without players wearing themselves out. And, like any sport, it also creates a sense of community and friendships among participants.

The sport has seen significant growth across various age groups, with the 25-34 age bracket reportedly boasting the largest number of players. Additionally, Pickleball’s low-impact nature has made it particularly appealing to older adults, who appreciate its health benefits without the high strain of more intense sports, including tennis, where your opponent can have you running from one end of the baseline to the other and then forcing you to the net when he hits a drop shot and then back you go when he hits an offensive lob.

So, whether you are young or old, in phenomenal shape or not so phenomenal shape, or if you find age and mobility challenges leave you somewhat limited, Pickleball offers something for everyone, making it an integral part of the sporting landscape for years to come.

The Loneliness of Depression: How to Cope When You Feel Invisible

Depression can be incredibly isolating. Even when surrounded by others, it’s easy to feel like you’re carrying an invisible weight that nobody can see or understand. The sense of loneliness that often accompanies depression can be one of its most difficult aspects to cope with. When you’re stuck in this dark place, it can feel like nobody notices you, nobody cares, and you’re utterly alone in your struggles.

One of the first things to understand is that loneliness is a common companion to depression. It’s not a reflection of your worth or your ability to connect with others. Depression distorts the way you perceive yourself and your relationships. It tells you you’re unworthy of support or that reaching out will burden others. But these thoughts are often driven by the depression itself, not by reality.

The key to coping with the loneliness of depression is to challenge those negative beliefs. While it may feel like nobody understands, there are people who care about you and want to help, even if they don’t always know how. Sometimes, opening up about what you’re going through can help bridge the gap between you and others. It’s not easy, and you may feel vulnerable, but expressing how you’re feeling can lead to deeper connections and create the opportunity for support.

Another important step is self-compassion. When you’re feeling invisible, it’s easy to turn that feeling inward and start being hard on yourself. You might ask, “Why can’t I just snap out of this?” or “Why am I not good enough?” These kinds of thoughts only add to the loneliness. Instead, try treating yourself with kindness. Remember that depression is an illness, not a reflection of your character.

You might find it helpful to engage in activities that make you feel seen and connected, even if it’s just a little. Sometimes, something as simple as joining a group, taking a walk, or volunteering can provide a sense of connection. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it perfectly. Just taking small steps to interact with the world around you can help lessen the feeling of being invisible.

Lastly, remember that healing from depression takes time. It’s a slow process, and progress will likely happen with setbacks along the way. You may have days when you feel more connected and other days when the loneliness is unbearable. But every step you take, no matter how small, is a step toward healing. And as you continue on this journey, you will find that the loneliness of depression doesn’t have to define you.

Reach out when you can. Be kind to yourself when you can’t. And remember, you are never truly invisible. There are people who see you, care for you, and are waiting for you to reconnect.

How to Rebuild Yourself After Hitting Rock Bottom

Everyone hits rock bottom at some point, whether it’s due to personal loss, a major failure, or a series of unfortunate events in rapid succession. The feeling of being completely shattered can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel like there’s no way out. But what if hitting rock bottom isn’t the end? What if it’s an opportunity to rebuild yourself stronger and more resilient than before?

The first step in rebuilding is acknowledging where you are. Accept that you’ve fallen and recognize the emotional toll it’s taken. Don’t rush past your pain or pretend that everything is fine. Give yourself permission to feel what you need to feel—grief, anger, depression, and frustration. Only by confronting these emotions head-on can you begin to heal and move forward. And remember that it will likely take longer than you think it should. Sometimes, you think you are past it, but you aren’t ready to move forward yet.

Once you’ve given yourself space to feel and process, the next step is self-compassion. When we hit rock bottom, we often become our own harshest critics. It’s easy to think, “I should have done better,” or “I’m a failure.” But these thoughts are counterproductive. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend in the same situation. Remember, rebuilding doesn’t mean erasing the past—it means learning from it and using those lessons to create a stronger foundation.

The next step is taking small, intentional actions. Rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight, but by setting manageable goals, you can begin to feel a sense of control and progress. Start with the basics—getting out of bed, making a healthy meal, getting some exercise. These seemingly small steps are the building blocks of a larger transformation. Celebrate each one as it brings you closer to where you want to be.

In addition to small actions, consider surrounding yourself with a support system. Whether it’s friends, family, or a counselor, having people who care about you can make a world of difference. They can provide encouragement when you feel like giving up and remind you that you’re capable of more than you might realize. If you’re feeling isolated, try seeking out groups or communities that align with your interests, where you can connect with others who understand your journey.

Finally, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned from hitting rock bottom. While it may feel like a setback, it can also be a powerful opportunity for growth. What strengths have you discovered in yourself? What values have become clearer? What goals matter most to you now? Use this reflection as a guide as you move forward, shaping a life that feels more aligned with who you are and what you truly want.

Rebuilding after hitting rock bottom is not easy, but it is possible. It’s a gradual process of healing, learning, and growing. Take it one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and trust that the strength you build through this process will serve you for the rest of your life.

When You Feel Like You’re Falling Behind in Life

Life often feels like a race; sometimes, the finish line seems miles away, and you feel like you’re sputtering and losing ground as time passes. We compare ourselves to others, checking social media where everyone seems to be living their best life, achieving milestones we haven’t even started yet. Feeling like you’re falling behind can make it easy to spiral into doubt and frustration. But that sense of being “behind” is often just an illusion created by unrealistic comparisons. Just because your friend loves to travel and has the money to do so doesn’t mean he is better than you. It means he spends his time and money that way while you may be perfectly happy renting a cottage in the woods by a lake for two weeks and completely unplugging. 

The first step in breaking free from this feeling is remembering everyone’s journey is different, and you are not competing with anyone. This was brought home to me years ago in a Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Calvin was going on about accumulating things and getting ahead when Hobbes asked, “Who are we racing?” There’s no universal timeline for success, and people often show only their highlights. We all face setbacks, delays, and detours, even if they’re not visible to the outside world. Recognizing that your path is uniquely yours is crucial in reframing how you view your progress.

When you feel stuck or left behind, it can also help to focus on the small wins. What have you accomplished today, this week, or this month? Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Rather than looking at everything you haven’t done, shift your focus to what you’ve achieved. Celebrate those little victories to build momentum.

Another important aspect is to reframe the concept of time. Time is not linear, and progress isn’t always immediate. Life often happens in phases, and what feels like falling behind may be the time needed for a new opportunity or a period of self-reflection and rest. Sometimes, what feels like being stuck is simply a necessary pause for growth.

When you’re in a moment of doubt, it can also help to reach out for support. Talk to someone who understands. A friend, a mentor, or even a therapist can help you see things from a different perspective and remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles. Everyone faces challenges that set them back, but it’s how you rise from them that truly matters.

Finally, be patient with yourself. Just because you feel like you’re behind doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s your journey. Life is full of unexpected twists, and things can change quickly; what matters most is how you continue to move forward, even when it feels like you’re not. Focus on what you can control, take things one step at a time, and trust that your unique path will unfold in its own time.

The Power of Doing Nothing: Why You Need a Regular Do-Nothing Day

In a world that glorifies busyness, jam-packed To-Do lists that leave little time to relax, and getting ahead, the idea of taking an entire day to do nothing might seem lazy or indulgent. But what if I told you that a regular Do-Nothing Day could be the key to recharging your mind, body, and creativity? No meetings, emails, texts, obligations—just you, your bed, a good book, and a mind free to wander (as long as it stays positive).

Most of us are constantly plugged in, juggling responsibilities, and feeling the pressure to be productive every waking moment. Even when we “relax,” we’re often scrolling, responding to messages, or mentally planning for the next day. However, true relaxation, which lets your nervous system reset, only happens when you completely disengage from external demands.

A Do-Nothing Day isn’t about being lazy. It’s about intentional rest. It’s about letting your body dictate the pace instead of forcing it to keep up with your to-do list. Giving yourself permission to do nothing gives your brain the space it needs to reset, recover, and refuel.

Imagine this: You wake up without an alarm. You don’t check your phone. You don’t feel the pressure to be anywhere or do anything. Instead, you stretch, roll over, and reach for a book—the kind that makes you feel good, inspires you, or simply lets you escape. Or you just go back to sleep for another hour or two. 

You spend the day exactly as you please. Maybe you nap, daydream, or just stare at the ceiling and let your thoughts float in and out as long as they stay in positive territory. You let your body tell you when it’s hungry, not the clock. You wear your comfiest clothes and don’t bother with the outside world.

The Benefits of a Do-Nothing Day

1. Mental Clarity & Creativity

When your brain isn’t bombarded with emails, notifications, and endless tasks, it starts making unexpected connections. Have you ever noticed how your best ideas often come when you’re relaxed in the shower or going for a walk? A Do-Nothing Day creates that same mental space on a much larger scale.

2. Deep Rest & Stress Reduction

Chronic stress keeps your body in fight-or-flight mode. Many never truly relax on weekends because we always anticipate the next obligation. A Do-Nothing Day allows your nervous system to fully switch into rest-and-digest mode, reducing anxiety and restoring energy.

3. Reconnecting With Yourself

In the chaos of daily life, we often lose touch with ourselves. A Do-Nothing Day lets you check in: What do I actually enjoy? What thoughts come up when I’m not distracted? How do I feel when I’m not rushing? This self-awareness can help you make better decisions moving forward.

4. Breaking the Productivity Trap

Many of us tie our worth to how much we get done. We are bombarded with social media posts telling us we should do this or do that to the Nth degree if we want to be “successful” or “get ahead.” But constantly measuring our value in output is exhausting. A Do-Nothing Day challenges this mindset and reminds us that being is just as important as doing. 

5. Better Sleep & Physical Health

Rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about mental downtime. Studies show that giving your brain regular breaks improves focus, memory, and immune function. By truly resting, you might find that you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.

How to Make It Happen

  • Schedule It – Treat your Do-Nothing Day like a non-negotiable appointment. Block it off in your calendar and protect it.
  • Prepare in Advance – Let people know you’ll be unavailable. Stock up on books, snacks, or anything else you might need to enjoy your day.
  • Set Boundaries – Turn off notifications. Resist the urge to “just check” your email. This is your day to be completely unplugged.
  • Let Go of Guilt – If you’re used to always being busy, you might feel guilty at first. Remind yourself that rest is productive, too.

We spend so much of our lives doing. But some of the most meaningful moments happen in the spaces between all that action. A regular Do-Nothing Day isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s a day to recharge, reflect, and simply be.

So give yourself permission to do nothing—and watch how much better everything else becomes because of it.

Overcoming Setbacks Without Making Them Worse

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life. Whether they come in the form of career disappointments, financial struggles, health issues, or personal failures, they can feel like a punch to the gut. It’s easy to let them spiral into something bigger than they need to be, compounding the problem with frustration, self-blame, or bad decisions made in the heat of emotion that make things worse. The key to moving forward is learning how to recover mentally, avoid self-sabotage, and build resilience so that setbacks don’t define you.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when facing a setback is reacting in a way that worsens the situation. This could mean making impulsive decisions, giving up too soon, or engaging in self-destructive behaviors. For example, after a financial setback, some people might react by spending even more money out of stress or frustration. A weight-loss slip-up could turn into a binge-eating spiral, and a career disappointment might lead to self-doubt that stops someone from pursuing new opportunities.

    The first step to avoiding this cycle is to take a deep breath and pause. When emotions run high, logic and reason take a backseat. Instead of acting immediately, give yourself time to process what happened and assess the situation clearly. Ask yourself:

    Is this setback as catastrophic as it feels?
    What actions can I take to limit the damage?
    What’s the best long-term approach to get back on track?

    By responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively, you maintain control over the situation instead of letting it control you.

    After a setback, many people fall into the trap of self-blame and negative self-talk. They beat themselves up mercilessly to the point of depression or worse, replay the mistake in their heads endlessly, tell themselves they should have known better, or compare themselves to others who seem to be doing better. But dwelling on self-criticism doesn’t help—it only drains energy and motivation.

    Instead, try shifting your perspective instead of tearing yourself apart and causing further damage. Remind yourself that setbacks are normal and that everyone experiences them. Think about the setbacks of successful people you respect and admire. All have faced failures and roadblocks along the way. The difference is they didn’t let those setbacks define them, nor did they give up.

    Practice self-compassion by treating yourself the way you would a close friend in the same situation. Would you tell a friend they’re a failure and should just give up? Of course not. You’d encourage them, remind them of their strengths, and help them look for solutions. Apply that same kindness to yourself.

    Shifting your focus to growth and learning will also help. Every setback, no matter how painful, holds a lesson. Sometimes, setbacks happen because of external circumstances beyond your control, but often, they expose weaknesses or gaps that you can work on. Rather than seeing them as proof of failure, view them as opportunities for growth.

    Ask yourself: What can I learn from this experience? What would I do differently next time?
    How can I use this as motivation to improve? When you adopt a growth and learning mindset, setbacks become stepping stones rather than roadblocks. You might not have chosen the challenge, but you can decide how to respond.

    Recovering from a setback doesn’t mean making a grand comeback overnight. The best approach is to start small, taking one step at a time to rebuild confidence and progress. If a setback and life has made you feel stuck, the key is to create small, achievable goals that restore a sense of control.

    For example, If you’ve fallen off a fitness routine, start with a 10-minute walk instead of feeling pressured to jump back into an intense workout. Have you sworn off overeating, consuming junk food, and snacking at night but then collapsed with a one or two-day binge? Set a mini-goal of not doing those things the next day. That’s it; just the one day – you will feel better and regain confidence. If you’ve experienced career disappointment, update your resume or reach out to a mentor instead of letting self-doubt keep you from taking action. If you’ve made a financial or spiritual mistake, create a plan to recover rather than dwelling on past errors. Taking small, consistent actions helps rebuild confidence and makes it easier to move forward.

    One setback does not define your entire journey. When you step back and look at the bigger picture, you’ll see that this moment is just a tiny part of your overall story. Think back to previous setbacks you’ve overcome—at the time, they may have felt overwhelming, but you overcame them. This will be no different.

    It’s also important to remind yourself of your strengths and achievements. Make a list of things you’ve done well, times you’ve shown resilience, and moments when you pushed through difficulties. This can’t be overstated and serves as a reminder that you have what it takes to bounce back.

    Yes, setbacks are tough, and they suck. I hate them; you hate them. However, they don’t have to define you. So don’t let them. By avoiding impulsive reactions, practicing self-compassion, learning from the experience, taking small steps forward, and keeping the big picture in mind, you can recover mentally and move forward stronger than before. The ability to overcome setbacks isn’t about avoiding them altogether—it’s about how you respond when they happen. Resilience is built in these moments, and with each challenge you navigate, you become stronger, wiser, and more capable of handling whatever comes next.

    Why Fans Dislike Dynasties and Why They Are Good For The Game

    A few days ago, the Philadelphia Eagles hammered the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl by a score that, considering KC scored two late touchdowns, flattered the Chiefs. The blowout simmered down (but didn’t end) the talk of a Chiefs dynasty and who is the greatest NFL quarterback ever.

    With their loss, the Chiefs have won three of the last six Super Bowls and appeared in five. Every sports era has its dominant teams—dynasties that define a generation: the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls, the New York Yankees, the New York Islanders, and the Montreal Canadiens in their respective heydays.  

    But with every great dynasty comes a growing crowd of detractors. Fans outside the core fanbase often turn against dominant teams, celebrating their losses almost as much as their own teams’ wins. So why do so many people love to hate dynasties? And is their dominance bad for the game?

    One of the biggest criticisms of dynasties is that they take away the element of surprise. When the same team wins year after year, it can feel like the rest of the league is just playing for second place. Fans of other teams might lose interest if they believe the outcome is inevitable.

    Even when a dynasty is built through smart drafting, strong leadership, and elite coaching, some fans believe it’s unfair for one team to be so dominant. The Patriots and Chiefs, for example, were often accused of getting preferential treatment from referees. The Warriors were criticized for “ruining the NBA” when they signed Kevin Durant. When a team wins consistently, conspiracy theories and accusations of unfair advantages aren’t far behind.

    A dynasty’s dominance can make other teams’ achievements feel insignificant. Imagine being a great team during the Chicago Bulls’ 1990s reign—teams like the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Indiana Pacers had fantastic rosters but are remembered more for losing to Michael Jordan than for their own excellence. Similarly, in the NFL today, even elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Joe Burrow are stuck in Patrick Mahomes’ shadow.

    Nothing annoys die-hard sports fans more than fair-weather fans who hop on the bandwagon of a successful team. The rise of social media has amplified this, as people suddenly become lifelong Chiefs, Warriors, or Patriots fans—until the next great team emerges. This makes it even easier for rival fans to dislike dominant teams.

    Why Dynasties Are Great for Sports

    Despite the complaints, dynasties are a crucial part of sports history. Although they may be frustrating for some fans, they bring benefits beyond their success.

    Dynasties force the rest of the league to get better. The Patriots’ dominance pushed other teams to rethink how they built rosters. The Golden State Warriors changed the way basketball is played. The Chiefs’ high-powered offense has forced NFL defenses to evolve. Dominant teams make everyone else work harder to compete.

    Every great dynasty has challengers trying to dethrone them. The Patriots had Peyton Manning’s Colts. The Warriors had LeBron’s Cavaliers. The Canadiens had the Bruins, Flyers, and up-and-coming Islanders. These matchups create must-watch moments, bringing more excitement to the sport.

    Sports thrive on emotions. While some love dynasties, many love to hate them. The Yankees in baseball, Duke in college basketball, and Alabama in college football draw massive audiences because people want to see them lose. Having a dominant team gives fans a common enemy, making victories against them even sweeter.

    Years after a dynasty ends, people still talk about them. The Patriots’ two-decade run, Jordan’s Bulls, and the Canadiens’ and Islanders’ four straight Stanley Cups are still legendary. These teams define eras, give sports history a narrative, and create nostalgia for fans and players.

    Dynasties will always have their fair share of haters. But while they can frustrate fans of other teams, they also push the game forward. They force teams to innovate, create unforgettable moments, and set the standard for greatness.

    So whether you love them or hate them, dynasties are an essential part of sports, and it’s only a matter of time before the next great dynasty rises—and a new generation of fans finds a team to root against.

    Losing Weight at 60: My Journey to a Healthier Me – Entry Three

    So here we are in early February, and my progress has been glacial, but the scale and my clothes are telling me I am moving in the right direction. One thing that was killing my progress and which I am getting under control is eating after dinner. Not only has this been a longtime habit I had to break, but I also had to break it cold turkey. Like any other addiction that must be overcome, I had to have a hard stop with it because a gradual stop wasn’t working and was the source of needless frustration. 

    How have I done it? A few ways. First, I started eating dinner later – at 6:30 rather than 5 pm. I told myself that my evening eating is an addiction. I say ‘is’ because one slip, one bite usually causes a catastrophe of eating too much – even healthy food. As one person told me, “It’s okay to be hungry.” Yes, I know, a light snack may curb those hunger pangs, but, in my case, it’s like the recovering alcoholic who imbibes one and then goes down the slippery slope. It hasn’t been easy to go cold turkey, but in my case, it is the only way – maybe for only a few months, maybe permanently. We will see. I also recently started keeping a food journal, which has been a big help and eye-opening. To be honest, it’s a pain in the ass to track everything right down to the time I start and finish eating, but like going cold turkey on the food consumption in the evening, it keeps me on track. For example, if I eat lunch at noon and finish half an hour later, there is no possible way I could be hungry two hours later. 

    Based on my doctor’s recommendation, I started intermittent fasting this week, and it’s going well. My goal is to do it through March and monitor my progress. I also keep in mind that at my age, my metabolism is not as fast as it was in my youth, and eating the amount I did back then when I was super-active isn’t wise. 

    So, that’s it for today. 

    The Importance of Reading: A Lifeline for the Aging Mind

    I have always been a prolific reader, devouring books, columnists’ writing, in-depth articles (see a previous entry), and other stuff. I got that from my father, who had an enormous library filled with the classics of fiction, history books, and numerous biographies of famous people. What my dad didn’t have, I filled in with trips to the library, keeping the sign-out desk busy.

    I was a “B” student in high school and college and learned more on my own through reading than I ever did in school. I learned a lot by listening to various classroom lectures, but my real love was learning independently.

    So, what does all this have to do with today’s blog entry? As we age, our bodies and minds naturally experience changes. Among these changes is the gradual decline in cognitive function, which can impact memory, reasoning, and focus. While this can be disheartening, there’s good news: reading is a powerful tool to preserve and enhance brain health. Not only does reading enrich our lives with knowledge and imagination, but it also helps keep our minds sharp, flexible and engaged.

    Just as physical exercise keeps our bodies strong, mental exercises like reading strengthen the brain. Research has shown that engaging in activities that challenge the mind, such as reading, can delay the onset of cognitive decline and conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. By stimulating multiple brain areas, reading helps maintain neural connections and builds new ones.

    When you read, your brain processes words, interprets meaning, and imagines scenarios—all at once. This complexity activates areas associated with memory, language, and reasoning. Unlike passive activities such as watching TV, mindlessly scrolling, or surfing the Internet and social media with a cursory glance, reading demands focus and interaction, making it an ideal workout for your mind. It requires remembering characters, plotlines, and settings, which exercises memory retention. This mental engagement strengthens both short-term and long-term memory.

    Reading can also reduce stress. Life’s pressures don’t disappear with age, but reading provides a healthy escape. Immersing yourself in a good book can lower stress levels by transporting you to another world or helping you focus on something positive.

    Reading can increase our empathy and social skills by inviting us into the lives and emotions of other people. I enjoy powerful books about people who have overcome incredible obstacles, such as Victor Frankl and Nelson Mandela. I figure if they can do it, so can I—and my challenges are nowhere near what theirs were. Also, maintaining meaningful relationships becomes increasingly important as we age, and the empathy gained through reading can enhance our relationships.

    Reading can also give you a sense of accomplishment. Aging can sometimes bring feelings of loneliness or diminished purpose. Completing a book or learning something new through reading can provide a sense of achievement and self-worth. Set a goal of reading a certain number of books yearly, but make it reasonable and achievable.

    You don’t have to tackle dense novels like James Joyce’s “Ulysses” or Stephen Hawking’s non-fiction “A Brief History of Time.” The key is to choose material that excites and interests you. Immerse yourself in captivating novels that spark imagination and creativity. And don’t worry if other people consider them trash or mass-market fiction. Explore memoirs, history, or self-improvement books to expand your knowledge. Audiobooks offer the same cognitive benefits for those who find traditional reading difficult while being easier on the eyes.

    For many, reading becomes a cherished habit when woven into daily routines. Dedicate a specific time for reading. You can also join a book club and visit libraries or bookstores – surrounding yourself with books can inspire you to explore new genres and topics. If you prefer downloading books to your device, consider Project Gutenberg’s 75,000-plus free e-books.

    Reading is a lifelong companion, offering comfort, knowledge, and stimulation at every stage of life. For older adults, it’s more than a pastime; it’s a tool to maintain cognitive health and emotional well-being. As the world around us changes, reading remains a constant source of inspiration and connection, proving that reading is as essential as ever.

    Seeing the Big Picture: Why You Should Step Back Instead of Reacting to Every Headline

    “Too much information running through my brain/Too much information, driving me insane.” So sang The Police in 1981 in the song “Too Much Information,” which was a ditty about the glut of information at the time. If that was apropos forty-four years ago before every news station ran 24/7 and before the Internet, then think of how much more we are inundated today with news from various sources constantly coming at us from all directions. “Breaking” news alerts on 24/7 news channels that have their screens annoyingly divided into news, weather, traffic, the stock market, and entertainment news sub-screens that play in many public places and private homes, a blizzard of social media updates, podcasts, YouTube channels, online newsletters, emails, and conversations bombard our senses every minute of the day and into the evening. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and react impulsively and emotionally to every piece of news, whether about politics, the economy, or social issues. But taking a step back and looking at the big picture can lead to better decision-making, reduced stress, and a clearer understanding of what really matters.

    The 24-hour news cycle thrives on urgency. It has to: it’s all about ratings and filling the hours while milking the story to death before moving on. Breaking news banners flash across screens, dozens of real and self-proclaimed experts voice their opinions, headlines get crafted to provoke strong emotional reactions, and social media algorithms prioritize outrage and controversy. When we react immediately to every new development, we become part of this cycle—jumping from one issue to the next without pausing to process the full context.

    Overreacting to every piece of news leads to unnecessary anxiety, misinformation, and emotional exhaustion. It also makes it harder to discern what may require attention than what is just noise. Instead of making thoughtful, measured decisions, we get caught in knee-jerk responses that may not serve our long-term interests.

    When you take a broader view, you gain perspective. Many crises that seem catastrophic at the moment fade into the background over time. Historical context shows us that fluctuations in the stock market, political controversies, and social issues often follow cycles. By taking a long-term view, we can better assess which events are truly significant and which are temporary disturbances. For example, tariffs and potential trade wars are all over the news. Right or wrong, they are nothing new, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt imposing taxes and tolls on traders passing through their territories, the Roman and Greek Empires collecting port duties on imported goods, Mercantilism, 19th-century industrialization, and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, to name a few examples from history.

    Impulsive reactions can lead to poor decisions. Whether selling stocks at the wrong time, spreading misinformation, or making career and life choices based on incomplete information, hasty reactions rarely serve us well. When we pause and reflect, we allow ourselves time to gather facts, consider different perspectives, and make informed choices.

    Constantly reacting to news and social media updates is emotionally exhausting. The negativity and urgency in the media can create a sense of crisis that may not reflect reality. By stepping back, setting boundaries on news consumption, and focusing on what we can control, we can reduce stress and improve our mental well-being.

    Not every piece of news is equally important. By zooming out, we can focus on the bigger picture—our long-term goals, personal growth, relationships, and community involvement, such as volunteering. Instead of being distracted by daily noise – and that is what most of it is, noise – we can dedicate our energy to what will truly make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.

    Okay, but I want to be informed, you say, and I don’t want to bury my head in the sand. Fair enough. Set specific times to check the news instead of consuming it all day. Choose reputable sources that provide balanced, in-depth reporting rather than sensationalized headlines. Before reacting to a piece of news or social media post, take a moment to ask yourself: “Do I have all the information? Is it accurate? Is this issue as urgent as it seems? Will this matter a month or a year from now?” Remember that a single headline rarely tells the whole story. Read different sources and look at historical patterns before forming an opinion or taking action.

    The world isn’t going to slow down, but we can choose how we engage with it. By stepping back and looking back at the big picture, we make space for thoughtful decision-making, personal growth, and a more balanced perspective on life. Instead of being reactive, we become intentional. Instead of being overwhelmed, we become empowered.

    So the next time a breaking news alert flashes across your screen or a social media debate flares up, take a breath. Ask yourself: “Does this deserve my immediate reaction, or is it just noise?” The answer might surprise you—and bring a newfound sense of clarity and peace.