Member-only story
Finding Joy
Despite chaos
The headlines are alarming, and more and more descend on us each day. Stocks are down 2000 points, then up 1500. Tariffs are 10% one day, then up dramatically, then back to 10% (except for China). Other countries have imposed tariffs on China lately to protect their own industries (for example Thailand and the European Union) but none in such a haphazard way.
People wonder: Is Social Security safe? Will the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire or be extended? How much more will we pay for groceries?
A lawyer friend said he received a strange call recently. The caller became a naturalized citizen five years ago. Could he be deported for a parking ticket? People are uncertain, and some are afraid.
What has happened to our First Amendment rights if federal workers are supposed to report coworkers that are not Christians, if green card holders can be deported just for speaking out and even citizens are afraid?
Many people feel that they have suddenly descended into some dark dystopian pit. They post their anguish daily on social media.
But we cannot allow headlines to rule our lives. We need to go on with our daily activities. We need to work and feel useful. We need to find joy in the first sunny days of Spring. We need to take care of our family and friends.
All we can really influence is our own behavior. This may mean to turn off the news for a while and to focus on the people and activities that give our lives meaning and joy. After all, what is life without that?
