Suggestions for keeping positive with all the bad news lately?

[senseandsensibility]

Like many of you, I am disheartened by all the capitulating by our dear Dem leaders lately. And I have been itching to write a bitter rant. But GDP has enough of those, well written and justified as they are. Heck, I've recommended most of them. But really, it's getting old....

I need help staying positive for the serious battles ahead. So how do some of you do it? What's your secret? Share it with us all so we can go unified into 2008. PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE! Don't force me to use hold down the capital E key like that again!:) Seriously, I don't think I'm the only one that could use a pep talk.

[JohnnyLib2]

1. From an elder--

Nixon came and went.
Reagan came and went.
Bush I came and went.
Bush II is about to go.

And we are still here, preparing to clean up messes and move ahead.

[senseandsensibility]

3. I appreciate that

and agree. But the damage they left is still there too, in a lot of cases. When will we ever learn from history? As long the media misrepresents the records of these presidents, many of the people remain ignorant.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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[kdmorris]

4. On the days when you feel like throwing something

When life gets you down and all you can think about is how fucked up it all is...

get away from the computer. Do something you love. Go bowling. Enjoy nature. Throw a ball for your dog. Play with your kids. Love your husband. Do something positive and life-affirming.

But, just for that day, don't think about it. It will all be there, in all it's horror and discouragement, when you come back. But, after you have done something to feel better, maybe you will be better able to handle it.

I'm sure there are a lot of people that would not agree with me, but it's how I keep myself from going insane.

[senseandsensibility]

6. Who wouldn't agree

It may be difficult to follow that advice if you are truly obsessed with politics, but I think everyone would agree that it is excellent advice.:)

[kdmorris]

8. I thought there were some who would consider that

burying your head in the sand. It is hard advice to follow, because sometimes it follows you. You try to go bowling and see a homeless person and all the rage comes back, full force.

Considering how many bad things are going on right now, sometimes I just have to stop thinking about it, or go insane.

[Solly Mack]

5. You know what? The small (and not so small) things still matter

Sunsets and sunrises. Bright blue skies. A soothing rainfall that makes you pleasantly drowsy. Freshly mowed grass. Flowers. Puppies. Kittens. Cold water when you've worked up a sweat. The first snow. A good meal. Friends and family.


Don't let what Bush is doing take those things away from you.

[senseandsensibility]

7. Yes, we can't give them that power.

Of course, jaded as I am, I felt discouraged reading all your references to nature. For how much longer will we have this beautiful Earth? Environmental issues are not even the "top" issue for me usually, but they are the ones that really scare me. Nevertheless, I understand your point.

[Solly Mack]

11. I think about those things when I stop to enjoy a sunset, etc.

yet I'm still grateful for that moment - because there might not be another such moment.

It reminds me why I fight and why the anger is good.

Sometimes the anger and the frustration takes so much out of a person because they wonder if it is worth it....I say it is worth it as long as you channel that anger in ways that matter...and as long as you take the time to remind yourself why you have that anger to begin with...

[tridim]

9. It may sound like a cop out, but the one thing that helps..

is a bowl of good cannabis almost every night. It doesn't make you forget all the bad stuff that's going down (it's not a hard drug), but it sure helps ease the stress so it's easier to sleep. Sleep is very important.

[dajoki]

10. Take a break...

I know that I must sometimes just ignore the news(IN ALL FORMS). Enjoy your favorite hobby. I like to garden, so relaxing!! I am also about to become a first time GRANDFATHER and am looking very forward to it!! What I'm saying is do whatever it takes to get your mind off the gloom that is there everyday, it will still be there when you get back, hopefully refreshed with a new outlook. GOOD LUCK!!:hi:

[senseandsensibility]

12. Thanks

And congrats on being a grandfather!:hi:

[emilyg]

16. 2 Time grandma here

Those babies will take your mind off everything.

[Richard D]

13. A Mantra for difficult times:

"This too shall pass."

Long hard walks in nature also help a lot.
When under stress it really helps to replicate the actions that would be involved in the fight or flight mechanism to burn off the neurotransmitters involved. Hard exercise does that. And nature is grounding.

[mark414]

14. a drink in one hand and a spliff in the other

feet up, relaxed, with some good music on in the background.

[applegrove]

15. Plant a garden, mentor a kid, volunteer, join the Unitarians, get into

new habits like cooking fancy meals,...it is all about the balance in our lives.

[senseandsensibility]

19. Ah, balance...

I crave balance; it's sorely missing in modern life. But I am going to make the effort.

[bananas]

22. Another thing to help balance - listen to non-political upbeat talk radio

"Calling All Pets" - hosted by a veterinarian http://wpr.org/pets/
"Zorba Paster On Your Health" - hosted by a real doctor http://wpr.org/zorba/
"The Speakeasy" - arts, science, and culture http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/SE

"This Week In Science" - hosted by a real scientist http://www.twis.org/
host's bio: http://www.kirstensanford.com/kirsten_sanford.html


"The Aware Show" - hosted by Lisa Garr, niece of actress Teri Garr,
this is a very new age show but she has a very pleasant voice http://www.theawareshow.com/

[itsrobert]

17. Don't give up! Hillary is the frontrunner right now. But that will soon change.

Keep hope alive!

[Mojorabbit]

18. What I did is join

progressive dems of america. We are looking to start a progressive caucus in each state and take the party back from within. I am convinced it is the only option left.

[Demeter]

20. Some Day Bush and Cheney Will Die

and if we work at it, they will die in prison.

I've tried chocolate, wine, sex, television, you name it, but there's nothing like the contemplation of Nemesis on the prowl, anticipatory Schadenfreude, to do the trick. And the best thing is, you CAN help the goddess of revenge along! Even the smallest measures add to the victory.

[Jane Austin]

21. When all else fails, and if you need medical help

Cymbalta is a thousand times better than Prozac or Paxil, at least for someone close to me.

Rather than just numbly coping, I see her laughing and even singing.

It's like she's back after years of being a pale version of herself.

Some people have side effects like constipation, but if you can take it, it seems to provide a floor without the apathy.