Be Jaded

Certain files have become public and I think we owe the conspiracy theorists a heartfelt apology. So many institutions, and so many people in authority, are proving to be corrupt. If ever there was a time to own yourself, it’s right now.

This post is not meant to rile you up. The media does a good enough job at that. No, this post is really about encouraging you to step into your power. Don’t give it to celebrities, wellness gurus, politicians, talkshow hosts, influencers, or billionaires on their pulpit. I can tell you this with certainty: they don’t have our best interest in mind. They act in their best interest.

Whenever a pharmaceutical ad comes on the TV, I say something cynical out loud like, “Oh, death is a side effect. Fun!” Then my son will say, “Mom….you’re so jaded.” He’s right, but I think jaded is good these days.

Be jaded.

This past week, I have been on these hours-long, meandering dog walks in my neighborhood. With the trials still too icy, I’ve walked without a real destination. I’ve walked just to walk and to think and to be outside, and to be removed from my phone and all the bad news. I’ve walked and I’ve pondered personal power.

Good health contributes to personal power. Discipline does too. But the most important aspect of personal power is self-esteem. When a person has strong self-esteem they say no. They stick up for themselves. They want the best, and they surround themselves with honest people who truly care.

So moving forward - and it’s very apropos as today is a New Year (welcome the year of the Fire Horse) - I’m, first and foremost, going to continue being jaded. In 2026, jaded is an important life skill. Secondly, I’m going to be gung ho about boosting my personal power by prioritizing good health, up-ing my levels of discipline, and fortifying my self-esteem. Won’t you join me?

”Do what you can, with what you have, from where you are.”

Having personal power is a form of activism. It helps us be impervious to evil. (Finally, some good news!)