We live in interesting times

There's a phrase: "May you live in interesting times." Though it sounds like a benediction, it's really a curse. After all, we've lived through enough of them to know what "interesting" really means: Bewildering. Exhausting. Complex. We as individuals can't change that, so it's time to revisit our patented Journalist-Approved Good Stuff Advice for Handling Hard Times Without Becoming a Quivering Lump of Anxiety and Sadness (we'll work on the name): 

• Limit your news consumption. Yes, you want to stay informed and be a good citizen. But pinging alerts and doom scrolling all day won't achieve anything other than making you tired. Set it as part of your routine, or maybe designate a certain amount of time per day to read in on the latest. Outside of those parameters, let it go. (And don't argue with people on the internet!!! Seriously, nothing good comes of it!) 
• Find something to do in your community that makes someone else's life better. I'm volunteering this weekend with a friend. It could be as simple as doing a favor, reaching out to a friend who's having a hard time, inviting a neighbor over or — one of my favorite random pick-me-ups — just saying something super kind to a stranger. Pray, if that's your thing. You can't change the world alone, but you can radiate positive energy, and that makes a big difference. 
• Practice gratitude. Remember that the good in life is often far less visible than the bad. If we focus on the darkness, we miss the small moments of beauty and kindness around us that light our way forward. 

Let's be clear: What I'm describing isn't a strategy for avoidance. It's a way to reconnect with your humanity, your compassion and the positive power that's in every one of us. We all need as much of that as possible, in these unbearably interesting times.

  October 14, 2023    source: CNN