I have been a lot calmer since Monday. I've asked myself why. I think there are 4 reasons. 1. Friends reached out. That helped. 2. I was able to focus on work. That helps me feel I am doing something. 3. Obama tweeted that Israel should "dismantle" Hamas. That's a major change and means Israel will have diplomatic cover to win the war. 4. I went to a gym class on Monday, despite not wanting to, and felt better.
Here's my advice. You can't escape the news about the war, or the arguments; and some of us actually need to be engaged. But there is a way to do it without sacrificing your mental or physical health, and while managing daily life in a way that doesn't make you feel crazy.
1. Focus on the everyday. Don't drop your regular routines, even if they have to change a bit to make time for some wartime stuff.
2. Don't get bogged down in arguments about what happened; focus on what needs to happen -- i.e. getting rid of Hamas, forever.
3. Consume news skeptically. This includes, especially, news that "helps" your side. View it all skeptically. The basic facts don't change.
4. Do fun things. Take a walk. Go for a swim. Make love. Don't feel guilty about any of it. Try to avoid substances. Take care of yourself.
5. Be patient with angry or upset people. That includes yourself. It's ok to be angry. Walk away from social media for a while, if so.
6. Reach out to people on the other side of this, if you know any. Don't discuss. Don't argue. Just say "Hi, hope you're ok."
7. Remember this: Palestinians would have a state if they made peace, and built one. Peace is a choice. It's also still a possibility.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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