Who’s in Your Living Room—And Why Are They Yelling?

You wouldn’t invite an angry guest to dinner—so why let them into your ears and your mind? Be careful who you give emotional real estate to.

Would you invite someone into your home for dinner if you knew they would make you angry? Everyone I know would not send an RSVP to someone like that. Why ruin a good dinner party with someone who is going to come in and make everyone angry. The crazy thing about this is that many of us do this every single day without even knowing it. I go for a walk every evening after dinner. Last night after dinner when I went on my walk there was a car parked next to the mailboxes. A woman was outside the car, checking her mail. Her door was open and her radio was loud enough for me to hear what was playing. She was listening to a talk show with a talk. Show host was filled with anger. A talkshow host was conveying an angry message, both and words and in tone. It struck me that she invited this person into her home. All he could do was upset her and make her angry. I wondered how many people popped their AirPods in and listen to similar garbage. They let other people make them angry. They let other people make them frightened. They let other people take control of their emotions. What we consciously would not accept in our homes, we unconsciously invite in and tell them to make themselves comfortable. How do the things you listen to affect you? Do they uplift you and inspire you? Do they turn you inside out and upside down? Think about who you’re letting into your home before you let them in.

❓ Reflective Questions:

1. What voices or messages have you subconsciously allowed into your “emotional living room”?
2. Do the media or shows you listen to nourish your peace—or stir up unnecessary fear and anger?
3. What boundaries can you create to protect your mental and emotional space from toxic influences?