Just as highly processed food is some of the most unhealthy substances to put into our body, consider the other ways in which highly processed material we’re exposed to throughout the day effects us. Whether that’s on social media, the news, television shows or the company we keep, maybe we should ask ourselves: Is this healthy for me? Nutritious? Am I becoming stronger by exposing myself to these – people/images/media/environment/situation/”friends”/work environment/substance? Or more dysfunctional? Weaker? Dependent?
Once again, when we can find the most enriching experiences in the simplest of activities: an authentic conversation with someone you trust. A long walk in nature – leaving the air pods behind. Quiet time with an engaging book or even meditation. Maybe it’s a date with yourself as you go window shopping or a trip to the art supply store. Or perhaps journaling about where you are right now and where you would like to be in 5 years.
We can choose to go through our lives doing what is convenient or we can choose a life more enriching, fuller, more deeply connected, fulfilling and ultimately a life well-lived by an understanding of what we’re exposing ourselves to in a day. You don’t have to go far to find a store on a corner that sells highly-processed artificially flavored snacks for your convenience. The question remains: Is that what we want for ourselves?