I just cancelled my subscription to Newsweek.

I’ve been a subscriber to the magazine since the mid 90’s and I took the time to read through most issues.

In fact, I still give Newsweek some credit for leading me to the profession of coaching. In 1996, just when I was started to apply for academic jobs I didn’t really want (and thus knew I wouldn’t get), I came across an article in Newsweek about the new profession of coaching.

Reading that article (I was so inspired I must have read it 50 times), I had a flashbulb moment where I immediately knew that I was destined to become a coach. Professionally, I’ve never looked back.

Despite my fond past with Newsweek, it’s time for me to go.

In attempt to shake things up in an era where fewer people are willing to pay for content, the magazine changed its format a few months ago. The difference has been striking.

Apparently those in charge of the magazine decided that in order to keep people reading they would pander to the lowest common denominators that lead people to action:  shock and fear.

For example, recent cover stories have been “The Case for Killing Granny” and “Is your Baby a Racist?”

There was even a huge spread on the 40th anniversary of the Manson murders.

The straw that broke the camel’s back was this menacing-looking fellow who graced the cover of this week’s issue:

Would you want this face staring at you on your coffee table? (I hesitate to share it here, but the photo makes the point.)

Is that positive energy to be around and to invite in your home? (And from a marketing perspective, do the people Newsweek think that people seeing this image on the rack will be compelled to pick this magazine up? I shake my head…)

Sure, fear sells. Always has. And there will always likely be a market for it as a significant number of people will remain tuned into the frequency of fear.

However, — call me an optimist — I believe that more and more people are emerging from the frequency of fear every day. I believe that more people are looking to be inspired. I believe more people are looking to feel good in their lives.

I believe people are tired of being scared and that tapping into fear is a dying market. It may be a slow death, but it is dying.

A couple of points to consider:

As you send your signal out to the world, what is the energy underneath this signal? Is it positive? Does it inspire? Does it help? If not, is there a way to shift your focus that would allow you to show up as an uplifter?

And second, notice the energy that you allow around you. Do you let magazines, e-mails, or yes, Facebook friends that send out negative signals in your energy space? Do you watch TV shows or news programs that cause you to feel angry? Do allow horror movies into your home?

Take a fresh look at your life. Notice the quality of the energy that you allow into your world. If it does not uplift you in some way, let it go.

You will not miss it.

Or them.