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At this time, everyone who turns to CNN or to the local news has been bombarded or more appropriately overwhelmed with the most ominous of circumstances and, if after digesting all the calamitous spewing you still have functioning brain cells, you probably wonder can it get any worse? The appropriate response would be: Only if you allow it.

This is not to minimize the turmoil and erratic changes in the economy, the raging wars, and possibly dwindling bank accounts, but there is no need to internalize what is happening. Even rough times can contain silver linings as they afford rare opportunities for families and friends to come together and recommit to relationships because of shared values and because of unlimited potentials to create something new and different. These are the times when the tough can gets going.

As an alternative to listening to the news, which rarely contains anything positive even if it falls onto the anchorpersons' lap, go on long walks to clear your head and collect your thoughts. You will be surprise at their therapeutic value not only for your mind, but also for the physical maintenance of your body. Allow your mind to take you to the station in life you desire to be and let it stay there no matter what happens. Remember the old adage: "As a man thinks, so is he."

In addition, when faced with unrelenting challenges, sometimes a redirection of focus or energy is needed, especially when you have done all you can do. The next time you are with a group of friends or family members, who are obsessed with the economy and other negatives, steer them in another direction. Start by asking each to list the things they treasure most in their lives and to say something positive about them, including how their lives would be different if they lost those things. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of perspective. I have discovered over the years, before you can begin to dig yourself out of a hole, you must have the right tools and that, for the most part, means having the proper mindset.

Philosophers and others of their ilk have long contended that life is a journey and maybe it is, but equally important is the belief that it is episodic. It is what one does during each episode that determines the next occurrence and the next and so on. If you fold during the hard times, each succeeding occurrence can only build on the failures, but if you take the attitude of "there has to be a better way" and go about discovering it, you will always be in a position

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