Lifestyle

The world is moving at an unprecedented pace. We are often blitzed with information from every direction by the world and our interactions. The internet has brought the world and its turmoil into our personal space on a 24/7 cycle. Our brains are overstimulated and often overloaded. Our ancestors’ lives though fraught with hardships did not have the stresses of lives in perpetual movement. One must wonder if the incessant quest to be moving, having somewhere to go or do is an avoidance tactic or a way to hide from pain and disappointment. I often wonder how children with nonstop schedules of activities and events are coping. People need down-time, time for rest, reflection, and peace. Overstimulated brains process slower, and memory is one area where it is appears first. I’ve read that chronic stress damages the brain.

The Victory Baptist Church of Yellville will send the Children’s Choir to perform at the Freedom Encounter Theatre on April 30, at 2 p.m. for the Freedom Journey Show.

2022 Seniors . . . Well, here you are about to graduate. I’m sure you’re pinching yourself at the prospect of reaching your goal of the last 12 years. I think of you all as caterpillars. You’re about to leave your cocoons; your high school and homes, to emerge as butterflies and fly away to your futures.

My campaign to become a social media influencer failed. I don’t have the dance moves for TikTok, the wit for Twitter or patience for the mendacious garbage on Facebook. I thought you just popped off about your favorite restaurant or made a snarky comment about skinny jeans – wait, those aren’t a thing anymore, right? – and the world’s adulation and riches were laid at your feet. I was mistaken.

Washington, DC – April 5, 2022....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) is encouraging all Third District high schoolers to participate in the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. The nationwide contest is an opportunity for Arkansas students to showcase their artistic talents. One winning submission from each congressional district will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Participants may submit original paintings, drawings, collages, photographs, computer-generated art, or a combination thereof.