Why Would I Read The Paper?
The funniest thing happened to me yesterday. I came home from an appointment and found an odd item at the bottom of my driveway. Upon closer examination I found it to be a newspaper. Now that’s odd because I don’t read the news paper, so why was it here?
I picked it up not really giving it any more thought, than I just found kindling to start my campfire. The funny part was later that day I received a call from the newspaper publisher asking if I’d received my complimentary sampling. They proceeded to ask me if I enjoyed it. Of course my immediate reply was, “No, I had not looked at it as I don’t read the newspaper ever”. When I heard the quiet pause I knew right away I could have some fun with this.
The kind woman came back and asked again if I’d opened it up and read any part of it. So I explained to her that I was not inclined to do so as I don’t read any kind of mainstream media, no newspapers, no radio and no television. She gasped in total disbelief. Her next question was obvious – “why not”? So I took the opportunity to enlighten her, that there was very little positive content in such media especially the newspapers, who are in my opinion, the worst offenders of negative propaganda.
After another pause I could tell she was completely stumped. It’s as if I’d explained an alien concept. In doing my best to hold back my laughter, I thought, “well I’m still alive so it can’t be that important as I’ve not read any for over 20 years!”
Being a student of personal development I’ve recognized the value of feeding our minds with worthwhile information. Don’t get me wrong I love watching movies and documentaries, but I will not watch TV just to waste time. In fact there are occasional worthwhile television shows to watch, such as “Think You Can Dance” that depicts people following their dreams by developing their passions. The point here is I can be selective of what I watch and read. Rather than read newspapers, I read books on personal development, autobiographies of famous people and touching stories that inspire me. I learn about our planet by watching documentaries like “Planet Earth” produced by the BBC that shows the true beauty of this magnificent planet we all inhabit.
So why would I ever want to read the newspaper and pollute my mind with such meaningless information that is only reported on to bring shock value and make more sales. No thanks, I’d much rather read a book. Needless to say, I thanked the caller and suggested she contact me when the newspapers change their ways and report on all the good and abundance in our world. I can always hope.
