I decided to make this list to remind myself on how to remain sane despite the insanity around me.
- Pick one new organization to support that is doing its part to counter the madness - ACLU, HRW, Amnesty, WFP, UNHCR, Planned Parenthood, Democracy Now, local charities.
- Volunteer as a family with a local organization - for us it is the Audubon Society
- Read 12 books that either re-imagine the world, or teach us lessons from the past/present/future - 1984, Brave New World, Handmaid's Tale, Maddaddam, Seveneves, Silent Spring, Sixth Extinction, Collapse, Anthropocene, Things Fall Apart, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Guns/Germs and Steel ....
- Avoid all news and social media at least 1 day a week - completely unplugged
- Explore new art forms, music, literature preferably from other countries, other centuries to believe in the best of humanity and break stereotypes. You can start with Khaira Arby (see video below)
- Binge on Attenborough and Nature Shows in Netflix to see the beauty that's out there that needs to be defended
- Devote some time for laughter - P.G.Wodehouse or even Seinfeld reruns
- Pay attention to what kids are learning at school especially their history/geography curriculum and have discussions around it.
- Breathe. Take a walk in the park, if possible everyday
- Give and draw strength from family and friends
