Slice of Life: Filter (OLW 2017)

(This is a post for Slice of Life, a regular writing activity hosted by Two Writing Teachers. We write about the small moments. You are invited. Come write with us.)

If you don’t know of the One Little Word project, it is a sort of New Year’s resolution to find a single word that might guide you forward into the coming year. Last year, mine was “remember” and I kept it on my desktop all year, as a reminder to keep a foot in the past even as I moved forward.

My one word for 2017 is going to be “filter.” I chose this word because I know I need to filter my news a bit more. I am NOT one of those who gets my primary news from social media, but still … it seems like I need to more active in where I get news and from places I trust. I need to better read beyond the news, too, and not trust reporters and writers to give me the whole story. I have an obligation as a reader.

I don’t intent for my “filter” to become a closed loop, however. Or another echo chamber. I will use my filter to seek out different opinions and hopefully, engage in discussions that are meaningful. I hope my filter helps filter out the nonsense, so some semblance of a truth comes through.

Also, I need to filter my anger and angst at the Trump presidency and the GOP Congress (it’s already difficult, given that GOP gutted the ethics commission that holds Congress accountable). But if I get angry at every little thing, then I won’t be able to discern real outrage when I need it.

(I made this via http://textanim.com/)

Peace (filtering for hope),
Kevin

10 Comments
  1. Filter is an awesome word for 2017! To get truthful reporting you need to stay away from mainstream media. Start reading alternative sources. My hubby reads these two blogs and he feels confident they’re on the up and up.

    http://www.zerohedge.com/

    http://www.drudgereport.com/

    I’m sure there are many more out there, but these two are the ones that my hubby consistently reads. ::)

  2. Filter? I love it! I never would have thought of this word, but I’m with you. I love the reasons you’ve added here. Fantastic choice! Happy New Year!

  3. I’m pretty sure many people would want me to have FILTER as my word. 😉

    I love how you filter already, in the sense that you cull important info and pass it on through your blog. Can’t wait to learn more from you!

  4. This is a great word as we enter a new year. When I saw your word I thought of my definition of filter – keep my mouth closed and think before I speak! You took this in an entirely different way than I thought. I love yours better as it is what we need NOW!

  5. What a challenge 2017 will be for us. Filter… great word. I’m afraid that we are no longer on the same page when it comes to the facts, just the facts.

  6. I like how you thought about the word filter. I like that it leads to looking for what are the real facts and what are the steps you wish to take. There is lots to be said and done in the next few years – this is a great start to working towards a goal instead of sitting in anger. Love it!

  7. Yep. You’re taking on the task of filtering your feelings in some way, too, so as to focus on action. With you in spirit….

  8. What a great word and what great reasons for choosing your word. Our world is changing and it is going to be important for us to be critical readers and thinkers of the news that is put out there for us. So many lessons for us to teach to our students too! Happy New Year!

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