I think I’ve crossed over to another phase in life. My adoration for vintage films (and I’m talking my own form of vintage – films popular from my youth) is a new-found source of entertainment happiness. Maybe it’s because I can’t tolerate much from broadcast television or cable news. I don’t want to be an ostrich, but I need to be cautious about what I consume when the news is 90% dark, dank and painful.
The imagery, the intensity, the pain and senselessness. I’m hardly the first to make this observation and I know I’m not alone. I just can’t hack it. So…if you hear me bellow to the hubs, “turn the volume down” when he’s watching programs I can’t tolerate, I apologize in advance. It’s not a friendly request. It’s a plea…because my ears can’t take it and the imagery is worse. Inflammatory and I need to shield myself.
Kudos and thanks to Dr. Elaine Aron and her work identifying responses often associated with HSP’s – ‘highly sensitive persons’:
- Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?
- Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?
- Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?
- Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?
- Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?
- Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?
- Do you have a rich and complex inner life?
- When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?
The standouts on the list for me? Definitely #1 and #3. The combo of bright lights, loud noises? Troublesome when they arrive masked as ‘entertainment’.
Give me old-time re-runs of classic sitcoms, artsy films or comedies. No dead bodies. Please. And when I can make it happen, something very vintage and camp-y is nice because it recalls moments from a less tethered, free-flowing youth. Ah. Bliss.
And that’s how I protect my potential for joy. A little bubble wrap and a protective shield in the form of retro entertainment. Movies, memories, laughter. Oh – and music. Deb’s recent post with a throw-back of an 80’s classic made my day. Steve Winwood…for the win…which prompted a rewind of my own with this groovy tune from Crowded House.
My other favorite trick? Sharing silly stories with friends. Got a minute…or two…to read a goofy tale that blends a classic line from an 80’s movie with a shopping conundrum? See my post on Heart of the Matter today. I could use your help solving a head-scratcher.
-Vicki 😊
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com
Victoria Ponders 
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