The Rejection of Fear.

My experiences, and how you can reject the currency of fear.

Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash

I have been asked point blank: “How can you be so calm when things are going to shit?” It’s something I’ve been open with. In fact I was like many of y’all from 2016-2020. The doom searching, the doom scrolling, trying to give people correct information and so-on. I’ll admit I was sucked into the flame wars of Yahoo Buzz (that was a toxic waste dump). Also I made the mistake of being on r/politics and r/news on Reddit. One of the things I learned in 2021 and 2022 was simple…defeatism is not the way to go. Panic and fear will always cloud sound judgement, and sound reasoning. Even so, I do have my moments, and I have to remember, I’m only human. I’m not a robot, nor am I taking things lightly. I’m well aware of what’s going on, and am choosing to be cool, calm and collected about it.

Self Reflection.

I did realize that I had to do some self-reflection, and that actually happened by accident. In 2021, four years ago, I came on the website the Palmer Report. Bill Palmer (not related) has made clear that action is the best course of action. He also made clear that using logic, deductive reasoning, evidence, and common sense were also the way to go. This was something I needed. In fact in 2021, I was following the Georgia voter suppression laws, and I realized that I had to actually calm down and look through things in a different lens.

Here’s the thing, it’s very tempting to go down the rabbit hole of doom, gloom, and despair. In fact, these are psychological conditions that have to be treated just the same as any other mental illness. However, suffice to say everybody does get scared of the unknown. I do from time to time. I also realize that by giving into fear, people like Trump have already won.

I know a lot of you who are afraid, but are addicted to doom scrolling, and doom posting, and doom searching…just stop it. I know it will be hard, but doing all of that will run your mind ragged. Also this kind of defeatism is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Even when you do walk away from the doom…it will be hard to break this habit. This is why I always recommend folks get mental help to deal with this. This also is why I get pissed off from the doom merchants, because they do so for the clicks.

Living In Reality

Yes, this is one of the main reasons why I have been a lot calmer, and more focused now. I realize that yes, I do have to live in reality. Yes, it’s okay to have some fantasies…however, for things like stuff that affects your life, and others, we do need a dose of reality. Trust when I say reality does not match up to propaganda. It never does. For example, in Russia, the citizens are realizing that Putin is not a strong man, but they can’t say anything about it, else they will be lableled a traitor. Also keep in mind that the cities (Moscow and St. Petersburg) have protested in 2022…however, Putin cracked down on dissent.

Here in the USA, we still have people online who are not living in reality. Especially those who make YouTube, and Substack their livelihoods. Now one of the biggest things I found is that people who continually are beating the drum about fantastic things happening (like Trump declaring Martial Law, or suspending Habeas Corpus) or anything else of that nature) are not living in reality. Here’s the straight dope, he hasn’t been able to get away with most of what he wanted…and for the stuff he did try to do, it didn’t move the needle of approval.

Also I’m not ignorant of the fact that Trump wants to go on a revenge tour. This is something that we all knew what happened. Reality is showing that people are fighting back a lot harder, and people are not making it easy for Trump to get away with anything, and his facade of being a strong man was already shattered. What does this mean? You have to use your eyes, and believe what your eyes show you…not what somebody else tells you.

My Voice Is My Superpower. I will use it.

Ariella Elm has said something that is very true. Your voice is your superpower. It only works when you use it. I have recently said that using your voice, and continuing to speak up is an antidote against silence, and censorship. In both cases, it’s true. We have a voice. Here’s the strange part, I just now realized I could have used my voice a lot sooner, like when Substack was getting started. I also realize that even if…there would have been a lot more people that would have carried through the voice of reason.

Though I will say that finding your voice is the hardest part of anything. Even the soft-spoken people will have something to say. I also realized even back on Twitter, and my defunct Rob Palmer IRL Bluesky account that my voice matters. Have I had a moment where I wanted to trash everything, yes. However, a lot of people talked me down from that ledge, and I chose to keep going. Part of why I have kept a clear mind is because I can get my thoughts down on paper.

Also with my articles being free for all, it’s been little problems. I realize that my voice should never be paywalled, nor curated for select people. My voice is my voice, and I want everyone to hear what I have to say. Also with my voice, I do try to be the voice of reason. I also will try to enact smart activism, along with the call to GOTV, and share my interests. Life is more than just politics, yes. Even when you’re not doing activism…use your voice!

Media Literacy.

One of the biggest things that has saved me is a renewed focus on media literacy, and also limiting my media/social media consumption. As I said from the top, it is very easy to fall into the pit of despair. Think about it, most people only read/watch the same two or three sources, but yet won’t extend out from there. Also a lot of mainstream sources will only report on the same three or four items, and only will twist it so that the truth is mangled.

One of the things I did to redouble my efforts was to stick to the basic 6 questions, and also to ask serious questions about the material. That means, I ask two biggest questions that you all must ask yourselves. “Why is this being posted?” and “What payment/benefit does this person have from posting?” These two questions have saved me a lot of grief, and reading something I wouldn’t want to.

This also keeps me from looking for stories that I know will be scary and spiral. Yes, I leave that to everybody else. I am aware that scary stories exist and must be reported on. I operate on “Inform, but don’t cause panic; report and tell the truth.” It makes perfect sense. Also from time to time, I do have people answer my notes with scary stories, so that I do have to answer their fears as best I can.

Don’t Go Borrowing a Cup of Trouble.

I originally heard this as “Don’t go borrowing trouble.” a while ago, which is true. However, I adapted it to don’t go borrowing a cup of trouble, you’ll get three back. What does this mean? It means don’t go looking for trouble…because you will find it in spades. One of the reasons I’ve remained so calm is I know to stay away from trouble. Yes, looking for trouble, and having trouble finding you are two different things.

Also by not looking for trouble, you actually won’t get yourself into a situation that will get out of hand really quickly. Yes, even in my young adult life…I did go looking for trouble online by getting sucked into flame wars. Now, I just learned that those who want flame wars are trolls who want attention. I just choose not to give them that kind of attention.

Things will get easier.

Yes, I know things will get easier/better. I remember this whenever hard times come on. I also realize that freaking out isn’t going to help. I remember that realistically things will get easier and better. This is something you will have to remember because I’ll be honest…a lot of you need to hear this. Also remember you have to actually fight for Hope in order for her to help you out.

Yes, there will be times where Hope isn’t going to be comforting. However, she’s there to help you to make things better. The more you make things better, the easier it will be. Will there be tough times? Yes, that’s just life. It’s up to you in how you respond to it. After all, you can fight for hope, or you can be in the endless cyclone of doom, gloom, and cynicism.

Remember, keeping a calm mind is not ignoring what’s going on. We’re well aware of what’s going on. Panic, doom, gloom, and negativity will bog you down. Instead of lamenting about something that may or may not happen…ask yourself this “What can I do to help?” Trust me this is a lot easier to deal with when you realize things in a clear light. Remember, don’t go borrowing a cup of trouble, you will get three back.

Also if you feel like you’re at the edge, call 988, or Text HOME to 741741 to talk with a trained, and compassionate counselor. If you know you’re at the edge, call 911, and treat this as a medical emergency. Remember, you always will be worth it. I’ll see you in the next one.

I have been asked point blank: “How can you be so calm when things are going to shit?” It’s something I’ve been open with. In fact I was like many of y’all from 2016-2020. The doom searching, the doom scrolling, trying to give people correct information and so-on. I’ll admit I was sucked into the flame wars of Yahoo Buzz (that was a toxic waste dump). Also I made the mistake of being on r/politics and r/news on Reddit. One of the things I learned in 2021 and 2022 was simple…defeatism is not the way to go. Panic and fear will always cloud sound judgement, and sound reasoning. Even so, I do have my moments, and I have to remember, I’m only human. I’m not a robot, nor am I taking things lightly. I’m well aware of what’s going on, and am choosing to be cool, calm and collected about it.