This is a very stressful period for all of us. The economy is in the tank, many of us are losing money and jobs, and there are wars all over the planet.  Now that's not news. So why mention it.

Many of our friends and neighbors might have a tendency to let their inner stressful and fearful state manifest outward and spillover into the community. There's already enough fear and anger. We don't need more. When one manifests fear and anger it has an impact on the entire community.

I firmly believe that we can maintain and enhance civility in these difficult times. But we have to work on ourselves first and not allow the anger, fear and rudeness of others to alter our more aware standard of behavior.

One thing we can do is not focus on all the negatives that are out there. I found that one of the worse things you can do is awaken to the daily news. Nothing summons stress-causing agents more than those national and local news personalities reminding you of all the doom and gloom.

Think about it, the first thing you hear is the body count from wars and natural catastrophes around the globe, or what poor person got shot or died in a car accident or fire the previous night. And, there is always the economic news. You may not want to admit it, but these harbingers of gloom imprint negative images and thoughts in our minds that travel with us the rest of the day.

The business and news of the day is something that does need to be factored into your thoughts, but not the first thing in the morning. Most of us have a morning ritual. My advice is to examine yours and see how it impacts on your daily stress level and thought process. Ask yourself honest questions about it, and if you determine that it is negative or stressful in the slightest way, then change it. Let's always present our better and higher selves to the world each day.

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You can learn more about me at http://jayspeights.wordpress.com/ . 

Be sure to buy my book, "Harmonious Day."

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