n an era of societal polarization, how can I understand the power of the emotional system to manipulate me? One way is to take time to think and write about an emotional event. This is my purpose here. A good example occurred when my granddaughters wanted to go to the Woman’s March in Washington, D.C., and have their voices heard. It took time to understand that their request activated a fear response in me based in old memories of the impact of the Vietnam War, WWI and WWII on my family life. What were the emotional triggers preventing me from acting with greater emotional maturity and living more optimally? When am I vulnerable to losing self in relationships?