Feeling Powerless in Today’s World

We are inundated with news, mostly bad, and mostly about issues and events for which we can do nothing. Sure, we can go out and protest, we can sign petitions, and we can send letters to politicians and corporations, but mostly, we are powerless.

So, why do we continue to expose ourselves to the nonstop barrage of videos, social media, and television when it makes us feel so bad?

The answer to any “why” question about irrational behavior resides in the limbic system. It is either about survival or about addiction. In this case, addiction.

We become addicted to stimulation, whether it’s from drugs, gambling, shopping, smartphones, doom-scrolling, anger, drama, or anything else that gives our brains a super-charged dopamine rush that leaves us craving more and more and more.

The good news is that when you admit your life is out of control, and that you would like to live differently, the guidebook has already been written. Alcoholics Anonymous developed the 12 Steps and the Serenity Prayer, which work for everyone, not just addicts, all the time.

Step 1 – Admit we are powerless over our addiction. It does not stop at “powerless,” it says “over our addiction.” When we do this, we actually regain power over ourselves and our behavior. Think of it like getting in the ring with Mohammed Ali. If Ali is your addicted brain and you go head-to-head with him, you will lose. No amount of physical strength and no amount of willpower will help you beat him. You will just get more and more beat up. So, what do you do? Get out of the ring! Regain your personal power over your life by stepping out of the ring.

The Serenity Prayer helps you stay on track with this. God, Grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The Courage to change the things I can, And the Wisdom to know the difference.

Stress and anger are the result of trying to change something over which you have no control. Mohammed Ali, for instance. They also provide the simmering stimulation that leads to more craving.

What you can control is where you turn your attention and how you respond to external situations and events.

Choose the life you want to live and turn your attention towards whatever enhances your life and brings you joy. Step out of the ring and into the Light. 

Be In Light,
Carol