I once reveled in the depths of drama. Movies and shows steeped in sorrow, with plots that seemed designed to wrench my heart from my chest, were my go-to entertainment. I would eagerly line up for tickets or set my DVR for the latest tearjerker, ready to experience every gasp and sob that came with the narrative’s emotional weight. The darker the content, the more I found it captivating; I appreciated the rawness of reality, even in its most grotesque forms.
But everything shifted when I became a mom.
I recall reading through the Hunger Games series while pregnant with my first child. The theme of children turning against each other was particularly haunting. As my due date approached, I realized that indulging in such heavy drama would be off the table for quite some time. While these dystopian tales were works of fiction, my imagination and sensitivity made it hard to separate fantasy from the reality I was about to enter. The thought of bringing a child into a world so fraught with peril felt overwhelming.
Once my daughter arrived, my scarce free time transformed into a marathon of comedic relief. I found comfort in binge-watching The Office during those late-night feedings and revisiting my favorite rom-coms. I never even finished Parenthood, and now that I’m a mother of two, I can’t bring myself to start This Is Us. Although I know it’s acclaimed, I’m certain it would leave me in tears, and I have enough real-life struggles to contend with.
I recognize that my choice to avoid heavy dramas means missing out on some exceptional storytelling, but right now, I prioritize my emotional well-being. Consuming news from various sources, I often feel the weight of negativity in the world overshadowing any glimmers of positivity. This harsh reality impacts how I navigate motherhood, especially when I read about crises like those in Aleppo or the Flint water situation. It breaks my heart to think about the world my children are growing up in.
With the tragedies surrounding us, I’ve opted to steer clear of fictional tales that mirror those hardships. In those rare moments when I can indulge in TV, I seek out lighthearted comedies that uplift my spirits without making me ponder too deeply. I crave laughter over tears, absurdity over seriousness. Well-crafted jokes and feel-good moments remind me that while the world isn’t always sunshine and happiness, it also isn’t solely filled with despair.
Perhaps someday, when my children are older or I feel less sensitive, I’ll venture back into the realm of quality drama. For now, I know what’s best for me. Parenting is challenging, and living in a world rife with division makes it even tougher. When I finally get a chance to relax, I prefer to escape into the comforting embrace of comedy rather than confronting the fictional struggles that only mirror my own.
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In summary, the world is filled with enough sorrow that I’ve chosen to fill my viewing hours with lighthearted entertainment. While I may miss out on some acclaimed works, my focus is on guarding my heart and keeping my spirit buoyant.