I Take My Morning Coffee With Milk, Please No Sugar or Angst.

Although I watch my sugar intake, I still like my day to be sweet.

When I decided I didn’t read enough, I stepped outside of the small group of writers I religiously read to peruse some of my favourites from when I first joined this platform. By reading other creators, I thought I’d expand my knowledge about current news and maybe learn a thing or two about writing.

However, this morning, all it took was reading two articles to notice a shift in my positive mood. Unfortunately, these two unnerving articles were two articles too many.

I’ve set a new routine for myself. I now wake up 1.75 hours earlier than I need before preparing myself for work. Using this time to engage with readers and to write short-forms, I’ve noticed that when I stick with this current practice, I begin my day on a happier note. I chalk it up to feeling the happiness of achievement and an early coffee-consuming start.

But not today.

Reading about poverty and domestic abuse involving high doses of angst and despair has affected my mood. Suddenly, I’m feeling bouts of sadness and anger. So combating this negativity, I reached for a blank word document carrying an invitation to speak my mind with uplifting words.

My spiritual mentor advised me to write from my heart, mindful of how each story feels. What emotional state do themes awaken in me? It makes me wonder. Should this be the same for the articles I read?

Perhaps I’m doing an injustice sitting inside a bubble, surrounding myself with loving thoughts filled with joy and peace.

Does closing myself off to unjust situations perpetuate a lack of action, keeping me entitled and narrow-minded? Then again, how much responsibility is needed to improve society and at what cost to my mental health?

There are many ways to make a difference. No one way is better than the other if the heart’s focus is in the right place. Some advocates fight battles, while others provide a loving space.

I don’t thrive in this rat race of pessimism. So I refuse to start my day with hostility and anguish.

“Don’t let people pull you into their storm. Pull them into your peace.” — Kimberly Jones.

I will continue to branch out and read other writers’ works. I intend to open my heart to their experiences to expand my worldview—just not first thing in the morning.

There’s a brand-new day of inspiration and hope awaiting me. I’m ready to go out and spread the love.

Does anyone care to join me?