No news is good news
Sherri T.
This news about the news is not new. Many mothers have used these wise words.
The expression “no news is good news” is said to have originated hundreds of years ago. Its purpose is to calm frayed nerves. Not receiving information about someone is often considered “good news.” If something bad has happened, we would have heard by now.
Yet while we may believe that no news is good news, it is clearly preferable to hear for certain that things are okay. Waiting for the “all is well” signal is stressful.
Especially if you are someone who worries. Or your imagination tends to run wild with all the things that could go wrong. Not that that actually happens very often……..
Under normal circumstances, the wise words “no news is good news” are meant to bring comfort and reassurance. But today this expression has assumed new meaning.
The global health emergency brings no good news. Even no news is bad news.
The gravity of the public language has ramped up as exponentially as new cases. What started as a pandemic (though it took a while for authorities to say the word) exploded into health crisis, national emergency and war. We are now at war.
In wartime, it is vital for citizens to stay tuned in order to stay safe. We need to keep up with the fast-changing rules, restrictions and reality.
The problem is that we are now being bombarded with bad news on a scale and scope that has never been seen in human history.
While we must by necessity tune in, we also need by necessity to tune out. We need to plug in and unplug at the same time. Wellness advisers are suggesting a news diet.
Limit our time in front of the headlines.
Reach out to loved ones.
Fill our socially isolated days with thoughts that calm and inspire.
Embrace classical music, art and poetry that feed our soul.
Enjoy old classics like “Home Alone” (the irony does not escape).
Maybe it’s time to update that age-old expression of our mothers. Perhaps “less news is good news” is the fine balance we are all seeking right now.