Better than going crazy.

For my own sake. I try to keep myself a safe distance from the sad side of reality. So that I’m not consumed by it. Take the stuff going on in Syria, for instance. In other trouble spots, too. No sense in anguishing about it. Because there’s not much that I can do to solve the world’s political, economic and social problems. I don’t like what’s happening. Especially on the political stage.  But first and foremost, I have to protect my sanity. By withdrawing. Stepping back. And steering clear of the turmoil and friction. Yes, just letting things be.  And not caring. Except from a safe distance. I recognize that one can care too much. About things beyond one’s control.  I learned this lesson. From my 13 years as an Alzheimer’s care-giver. For a while, I cared too much. Until I stepped back. And cared in a reasonable manner. Yes, there is such a thing as too much caring. One can’t handle it all. The same goes for the plight of the world. I can’t save the world. No matter how hard  I try.  Therefore, I am often compelled to ignore the world. For the sake of my mental health. Better that, than going crazy. --Jim Broede