I find that the most important thing for my mental well-being is to focus on the world I want and the actions that move things in that direction. If I spend the entire week doing nothing of any use to anyone other than myself I get kind of energetically sapped. All the negativity out there starts seeping in, because pleasure simply isn't enough. But if I can buy groceries for a struggling family, it's a ritual act of serving the creation of a world without hunger. (Which is achievable if we simply change how existing food production gets distributed.) Or if a call a friend to boost her mood when she's stressed, I feel I'm living in a world that has connection, love and generosity of spirit as its norms. Whatever I wish to see in the world, when I take actions that reflect that reality as being here now, even if only in my actions, I feel empowered, and not just hopeful. Knowing is what is required, not just hope.