To cope with the Madness that is Trump, I am reviving a few well-worn strategies again these days. And gravitating to some new ones.

First, as I did during is first term, I no longer listen to or watch the news in any form. I will only read the news in my morning StarTribune. The breathless 24-hour newscycle only creates anxiety and despair. Reflection needs the time that a newspaper report can provide.

Second, I am reading an enormous amount of Cozy Mysteries and steering clear of hardboiled ones. I need to be reminded daily that evil does not ultimately prosper.

Third, I am reading and re-reading Thoreau’s journals. His perspective on Nature reminds me of the goodness of Creation.

Fourth, I make a list in my mind every morning and evening of people, opportunities, and moments that I am thankful for. This takes the form of a simple prayer of thanks.

Finally, I work on this blog. Writing about books and baseball and small things that do not matter help remind me of all that is beautiful and wonderful about our lives.

What are you doing to cope these day? What strategies can I add to these?