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A POSITIVE IMAGE IS THERAPEUTIC IN THE FACE OF WAR

America is at war. We feel an ongoing sense of stress. None of us wants it. But to protect Americans from the threat of biological or chemical warfare, the war with Iraq has begun. And with no guarantees about when it will end.

Add to the knowledge of war, we can actually witness, via television cameras in real time, the march through Iraq toward Baghdad. We actually see the machinery of war, the uniforms, the faces, the fear. We feel a continued 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 grieve for those we learn who lost their lives, and for their families. We worry about how many more.

In the face of war, we have no input, no control. We feel powerless. We are powerless. We may feel down—down and depressed. We must fight those feelings. We can't let that happen!

It's time to take control of what we can—our everyday lives. Maintain a positive outlook and stay in touch with your spirituality. Now is not the time to slop around in a T-shirt or sweats, dwelling on the news. Don't let yourself look like a loser.

The way you look affects you first—the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you act—where you go and what you do.

Get up and get dressed. Put on something nice. Look sharp—in charge of your looks and your life. Fix your hair. Try wearing a favorite outfit or a new combination of clothes. 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 friendlier, get yourself out and out of yourself.

Go to a favorite place or event—the bakery and a flower shop, 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.

Get out and under the sky. Go for a walk, a picnic in the park—just a sandwich will do. The point is to get out of yourself and outdoors 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 own a good-looking ring? 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 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 someone else—a bakery treat, a flower, a book, 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 tea. Talk or play cards. Work a puzzle with them.

You can't take care of those soldiers, but you can take care of yourself and that's the best medicine. It's good for you, good for those significant others in your life, good for the economy, and good for America. So get movin'!

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