I realized something last week while working on project for a client of mine that really freaked me the hell out.

As someone who not only works with computers all day, but knows more about them than the "average bear" (Yogi Bear reference... I'm old!), I can spot a bad program easier than I can spot bad meat.

And the first thing you need to do when you are faced with a faulty program is to stop it from corrupting your whole system! Then once you done that, you take measures to make sure your system is protected from future damage.

This makes complete and utter sense to me. It's logical. I understand this.

The reason for my analogy...

The Internet, lets just say media in general, has infiltrated our minds in a way that we have never experienced before in history.

Every day we humans are fed negative images and information. Not only every day, but every minute of every day! Are brains are bombarded with toxic news that we allow our life.

And I don't just mean the serious shit like natural disasters, North Korea, or Alt-right riots, but I'm talking even the little things:

• Someone not liking your post.
• A negative comment by someone you thought was a "friend."
• Seeing other people flaunting some new expensive car or house they just bought.
• Hearing about bad people prospering.

All of these things together after a time will chip away a piece of us a bit at a time.

Day after day we read our Twitter feeds. Facebook feeds. News feeds. We watch our CNN, MSNBC, Fox News. Minute after minute, punishing our souls with the worst, vile information posted or filmed.

And by the doing this, by allowing this, we are programming our minds to accept this garbage as our reality!

This is scary shit guys!

(This would be the equivalent of purposely downloading Malware into your computer every day, then wondering what's wrong with it!)

So what's the fix?

Something that I've begun to do is take charge of my what I allow into my head! Just like a computer, I've set up protocols for myself to help safeguard what gets into my system.

1. BREAK THE ADDICTION

Quitting the internet all together is unrealistic. Most of us have to work on it. And even if we didn't, I don't believe in extremes. But, I do believe in using as a tool. And like any tool that's served it's purpose, it needs to be put away when you're done with it. Same goes for TV as well. If I'm not watching something very specific, I will just turn it off. And avoid the news at all cost!

2. QUIT SOCIAL MEDIA (FOR A WHILE)

I've come to the conclusion that there really isn't anything I'm missing by not being on Facebook and Twitter! Usually after being on these platforms for more than five minutes I'm either feeling angry or upset about my life. I'm actually taking a sabbatical from SM for a long while.

(Aside from posting on STEEMIT of course!)

Ask yourself this: How satisfied are after you've been on Facebook for more than a few minutes? Are you happier? Did it contribute anything to your life?

3. Get back to living!

It's not just about stopping yourself from doing something, you need to fill that void with something that gives you a reason to get out of bed. This is the problem that most addicts have staying sober. They quit whatever they're doing, but end up going right back to it cause they haven't replaced that urge with something positive! Find something you love to do, or always wanted to do, and do it!

My point is...

We have a limited time on this big blue ball guys. And if you think about how much time we spend of that hypnotically looking at screens, it's almost scary to think how much negativity we let past our guard!

Not saying you have go run a marathon or go skydiving, but find something that's worth doing for you, clear your minds and detox your thoughts and soul!

Remember: We are not slaves to anything or anyone!

(If you groovy people dug my little post, this feline would so appreciate an UPVOTE and a RESTEEM)