It's especially hard when you're a highly sensitive empath. I like watching MSNBC, but some days I just have to turn it off because the constant stream of negative news is debilitating. At 73, I'm finally discovering the importance of establishing boundaries and saying "no."

Another thing I have done is subscribe to a publication called Reasons to Be Cheerful which reports on positive outcomes around the world that are occurring but don't get the headlines in this epoch of "bleed and lead" journalism.

Finally, as a Black woman, I'm learning to take steps to reduce the generational trauma that gets triggered every time I hear about a mass shooting targeting Black people and all of the other attacks directed at BIPOC, LGBTQ+ folk, and women. Activating the parasympathetic nervous system in whatever way I can (e.g. meditation, listening to music I love, reading mystery novels) is critical if I want to manage the heightened stress of living in the 21st century. I'm finding Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing by Zee Clark to be especially helpful.

Thanks for your superbly written and informative stories and your dedication to the fight for justice.