How do you guys do it?

[1awake]

Seriously.. I'd like to know. This is in reference to politics I guess to be clear. The longer I sit up and pay attention, and try to do what I can, the worse it makes me feel. The Edwards situation hit me hard even though I didn't vote for him, I still greatly respected him. It seams like anytime I (we) place our support.. hopes.. whatever you want to call it on someone they find a way to bring things crashing down. It's like a disease of narcissism that no politician has immunity against. It's bad enough that the Repub's use dirty tricks against us.. why do we have to do these things to ourselves. Maybe I just need to turn off the TV and the internet for afew days.

[qb]

1. I tune out a lot.

I get so frustrated with the seeming lack of any real values in Washington. I do my best to contact my reps on important issues, and I donated to my local Dem organization, but it's just too much to stay tuned in to this crap all the time.

[hippywife]

2. I was involved in so much

activism and reading as much as I could find on so many issues, I finally had to stop before I crashed. It was taking it's toll on both my mental and physical health. I had to refocus on what is important to me and the things that make me happy, and back down on my activities.

It's hard when you want to be out there and involved in so much. Things to bear in mind are 1.) You can't fix it, no matter how hard you try. You can only hold the bastards at bay. and 2.) noone can do everything, but everyone can do something. Pick the issues closest to your heart and focus only on those, and the practical, everyday things you can do to make a difference there.

It's hard not being one of the ignorant Americans involved in their own materialist pursuits. So, yes, by all means give yourself breaks once in awhile to do soothing things. :hug:

[Haole Girl]

3. We are masochists

Didn't you know?

;-)

[Taverner]

4. Don't follow leaders, watch your parking meters

What Dylan said seemed flippant, but on second gaze - its pure genius