We are living in very stressful, dangerous times. Record-breaking temperatures, massive wildfires, attacks on our democracy, escalating gun violence, states eliminating the right to an abortion, the threat of another pandemic, the growing possibility of civil war, rising antisemitism, discrimination against people of color, and the list goes on.

Some of us can’t bear to watch the news anymore and feel there’s nothing that can be done to help prevent or alleviate the disasters in the making. Others volunteer with political or social services organizations, and/or make donations to these groups. Nevertheless, dark clouds continue to hang over our nation. Regardless of what we do or don’t do, it just seems to be getting worse. Is there no way out of the mess we’re in?

I don’t claim to have the solutions we are seeking, but I’d like to share how I cope with it all in the hopes that it will help others who are feeling dispirited.

First and foremost, I try to keep a balanced perspective. The news isn’t all bad. Here’s some good news. Inflation is down and the economy is improving.[1] More young people are concerned and getting involved in public life, voting, and social issues.[2] Last year Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest climate bill in U.S. history. According to the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, it was “a really big deal.”[3] 

Next, I explore how I can realistically make a meaningful contribution toward improving our situation. I feel it’s important that I keep up with the news about what’s happening in my community, my state, the country, and the world. Writing this blog is my way of sharing my perspective on current events and encouraging others to get involved in the issues important to them. I also contribute what I can to causes and candidates I believe in. And, I plan to get actively involved in the 2024 elections by the end of this year.

Additionally, I participate in a regional effort, the Mora/San Miguel Justice 40 Council. We are a group of concerned citizens helping to access federal funds for community-driven projects to improve environmental justice, climate resilience and address the impacts of the 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak fire and flooding.

At the same time, it’s vital that I maintain a balanced lifestyle. I hike and spend time in nature. I hang out with friends. I’m in a men’s group that meets regularly and I attend larger personal growth gatherings. I’m writing a memoir, go to a movie or concert once in awhile, and travel a little. And I make time to just relax and be with my partner, Margaret.

But what counts the most is my attitude. As best I can, I try to maintain a positive outlook. Someone once said, “Attitude is 90% of the game (of life).” I can see the glass as half empty or half full. And, there’s really no value in worrying about the things I can’t do much or anything about. In fact, worrying is bad for one’s health.[4]

So, that’s how I soothe my soul and mostly maintain my equilibrium in these troubling times. I hope you find what works for you as well.

Bruce Berlin

A retired, public sector ethics attorney, Berlin is the author of Breaking Big Money’s Grip on America (See breakingbigmoneysgrip.com.), the founder of New Mexicans for Money Out of Politics, a former U.S. Institute of Peace fellow, and the founder and former executive director of The Trinity Forum for International Security and Conflict Resolution. He can be reached at breakingbigmoneysgrip@gmail.com.

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[1] https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-gdp-report-economic-growth-92482437?mod=automatedsf_trending_now_article_pos3

[2] https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/youth-are-interested-political-action-lack-support-and-opportunities

[3] https://citizensclimatelobby.org/inflation-reduction-act/utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=inflation-reduction-act&gclid=CjwKCAjwq4imBhBQEiwA9Nx1BpSvW3rPL7JlVlPQQDdUQofgWAqHU4HFmbe9-pKScH13GC_H8y2EARoCtG0QAvD_BwE

[4] https://www.psichi.org/page/214EyeSum17aLlera?gclid=CjwKCAjwzo2mBhAUEiwAf7wjktPzcUTX4VYZDFnxyXxdM3zVOi1-pdCjlcWXemIVPWdbg4ilOFt6rRoC4UoQAvD_BwE