A POSITIVE IMAGE IS THERAPEUTIC IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY

We live daily amid wars and rumors of war. Terrorism is still a daily threat. We learn of earthquakes, flooding, and famine in some part of the world and our hearts ache for the losses. We all feel an ongoing sense of stress. None of us wants it and there are no guarantees about when it might end.

Add to our knowledge of war and physical calamity, we can actually witness via television cameras in real time, daily events in areas around the world. We actually see the machinery of war, the uniforms, the flooding, the faces, the fear. We internalize a hightened sense of stress.

We can expect to experience flashbacks. We may feel ill about America's presence in a foreign land. We may feel threatened. We certainly feel overwhelmed at sight of a tsunami in Asia or starvation in Africa. We grieve for those who we learn lost their lives, and for their families. We worry about how many more.

In the face of these events, we have no input, no control. We feel powerless. We are powerless. We may feel down--down and depressed. We read and hear of those who feel it useless to plan for a bright future. We must fight those feelings. We can't let that happen!

It is essential we take control of what we can--our own everyday lives--not dwelling on grim news. It is essential we each maintain a positive outlook, boost our mood and stay in touch with our spirituality.

Now is not the time to slop around in any old thing, not even a comfy T-shirt and jeans, sweats, or pajama pants and slippers or flip-flops. When conforming to uniform dress of this sort, your posture slumps, your head drops forward, and you tend to drag your feet. You look tired. You feel tired--less able to get up, get out, and get on with your goals. In the long run, it's the look of a loser, with negative affects on the way you think, the way you feel, the way you act or behave, and then the way others react or respond to you.

And so, get up and get dressed in the morning. Put on something nice--maybe something as simple as a clean shirt with a collar, but raise the bar. Try wearing a favorite outfit or a new combination of clothes. Look sharp--in charge of your looks and your life. Fix your hair. "Bed head" doesn't really lift anyone's spirit. Lift your chest, your head, and stand up straight--a little taller than before.

Everything about your appearance affects you--what you wear, how you care for and carry yourself. Looking so sharp and feeling more friendly, get yourself out and out of yourself. It works!

Go to a favorite place or event--a flower shop, the bakery, or library; a museum, theater, or sports event. If nothing comes to mind, get into the newspaper or local events calendar and pick something to do, someplace to go--something you've never seen or done before.

Get out on your own or make plans with family or friends--one or more as you like. If cost is the limiting factor, go to the library. Call or check on line before you go. There are often special speakers, films, and exhibits without cost.

Get out and under the sky. Go for a walk, a picnic in the park--just a sandwich will do. Bundle up if the weather's cold. Wield an umbrella if it's raining--and sing a little song. Getting utdoors may be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Now here's another idea. Find pictures of new looks for your hair. Take them to your barber or hairdresser. Get a new look. Gals, get a new eye shadow or liner. Nothing too bright or garish. A rich brown is basic. Or try something soft in blue gray, blue green, olive, or plum to go with your eyes or your clothes.

Do you have a favorite color or fabric? A favorite belt or shoes? Do you own a good looking ring you like? Then put it on--something special to look at anytime, to please your eye, to lift your spirits. If you don't own a nice ring, then go shopping for one. I'm not talking Tiffany's. Make it within your means.

Go shopping for something that simply catches your eye. Think it through before you buy. Will it really meet your needs? Do you have something to wear it with? Do you have someplace to wear it? If not, decide on a new place to go--it's really therapeutic. The point is to get yourself out and out of yourself. Get that little gift for yourself or for someone else--a flower, a bakery treat, a book, or a puzzle. Go for a quick visit at someone's office or home to deliver the gift. It'll make a difference for you and for them.

Can't get out? Then invite someone in. Share your space and maybe your lunch. Get yourself up and get ready. You'll feel more like being friendly. Fill your home with good music. Turn off the TV--the soaps, the crude talk or reality shows. Invite family or friends for a meal. Make it potluck or maybe just hot lemonade. Talk or play cards. Work a puzzle with them.

You can't stop the wars, take care of the soldiers or survivors, but you can take care of yourself and that's the best medicine on a daily basis. It's good for you, good for those significant others in your life, and good for the economy wherever you are. So let's get movin'!