79: digital detox for peace

letting go of news, noise, and the need to save everyone

I’m bingeing Scandal.

I know—twelve years late. In fairness, back in 2012 when Scandal premiered, I had just started bingeing Grey’s Anatomy.

Grey’s was incredible. After almost a decade of no TV, I was completely fascinated. The eye acting alone? Phenomenal!

Funny though, I started Grey’s because all my friends were raving about Scandal. They went on and on about Shondaland. But since they were actual doctors, they hated Grey’s. They pointed out all the flaws, the unrealistic plotlines. And that’s what pulled me in.

There’s nothing like a romantic fantasy to get me hooked.

But Scandal? That hit different.

I never really got into the romance—if you can even call it that. It felt less like longing and more like lust. Not the pleasurable kind. The craven, crass kind.

So why did I start watching it now?

Honestly? Boredom.

And now I’m hooked. Not by the relationships—but by the intrigue, the drama, the escape from today’s political landscape.

Yes, I’m intentionally choosing to escape.

I think I fried my nervous system during COVID. The constant news cycle did a number on me. And I don’t think that was by accident. It felt engineered to keep us locked in, addicted and afraid.

Remember when we only got the news by word of mouth? Or watched a single hour of calm, balanced reporting on TV?

These days, it’s all breaking news and battle cries. Like we’re watching a sport instead of getting informed.

So I’m opting out.

Let the headlines roll on without me—my peace is more important.

I’m taking back my attention.

And you know what? My life is shifting. Rapidly. The way it used to back in my no-TV era.

I’m happy again.

It’s a mix of things:

My parents are settled and thriving in Trinidad.

I moved into my own space.

Finding light on my path to Barista FI.

I’ve stopped trying to save everyone.

I’ve taken off the cape.

I watch Olivia Pope don hers, but I don’t wear mine anymore.

And that’s made all the difference.

I feel lighter. Clearer. More attuned to my inner guidance.

More trusting of myself.

Even… satiated.

If you’re feeling scattered or overstimulated, I encourage you to try a fast.

A fast from the news.
From social media.
From overgiving.
From saying yes.

Experiment with it—21 days at a time, or from full moon to new moon, or heck, even the rest of the summer.

Play.

Take a break.

You might just hear your own voice again.

In Joy

Nneka

Trini-born sage and oracle

P.S. Hit like ❤️ if you’re opting out too—or drop a comment 📬 with what you’re taking a break from this summer.