I think most Israelis are this way now

I want to say something about the threats of w*r iwth Iran.

Several news channels are reporting right now that amid tension with Iran, the US is preparing for a prolonged conflict. Israeli officials "are saying that they are preparing for hostilities to begin within days."

We've all noticed that even though the US and Iran were in talks, the US has been stocking the region with weapons, planes, and ships. Talk about mixed messaging.

Listen, every couple of weeks, the same message comes out.

"It'll be a few days."

"Any moment now."

"Get your shelters ready..."

Really, the last few months, it's been every few weeks that we get a new batch of hysteria.

To the point when my therapist (who is in the USA) asked how I was doing the last few weeks, and I would say something like, "Well, you know we're just waiting on Iran..."

Her feedback was, "Yeah, you say that all the time and that hasn't happened in a while."

That cracked me up. Because she's right.

Listen, it may or may not happen. Just like everything else.

Only God knows.

Prolonged stress over waiting for a massive w*r to erupt, I have learned the hard way, is not a good survival tactic.

My nervous system has been switched on for w*r time since 2023- I jump at loud noises, I think everything sounds like a siren, all planes sound like w*r planes...

I think most Israelis are this way now.

But at the end of the day, after weaving in and out of different levels of w*r over the last few years- I think we've learned that all you really need is to keep alert.

Keep your shelter prepped and ready.

Have things like water and nonperishable foods in the shelter.

You know what you need to be OK at this point.

A longer conflict might require more food or more dire needs.

Get a first aid bag. Some extra meds. A bucket for the corner. Some pillows and blankets. Solar charger.

Beyond that- don't worry. Worry makes it worse.

It grinds you down, till you are weary and frightened and struggle to deal with whatever comes next.

I'm not saying that its all going to be peachy.

The news might be right.

But only time will tell.

Don't stop living your life.

Don't let the psychological w*rfare get you, too.

Take lots of deep breaths and keep going about your business.

If and when- we'll be ready.

But until then, chodesh tov.

Don't forget- God's got this.