Amid international tensions and the state of war between the United States and Iraq, all of us can benefit from taking especially good care of ourselves. A chief frustration for many of us is our relative lack of direct control over world affairs. No matter what we do, our ability to directly affect world events is limited. We can, however, make a difference by engaging ourselves positively in life.

• We must each decide, in our own way, to detach ourselves somewhat from all that we cannot control. We may not be able to affect directly the outcome of the war or prevent terrorism from hitting close to home, but we can remain calm and take commonsense precautions. We can control how we feel about our current situation much more than many of us realize.
  
  
• We can establish a daily routine that creates a sense of well-being. If you already have a routine, there may be steps you can take to alter it in ways that will give you an added sense of control. You may wish to say no to "time-eaters" such as overworking or watching too much TV. You may want to get up earlier, prepare for potential difficult times, touch bases with key friends or set aside more time for prayer or for family activities. Take time for activities that nourish you, such as being with nature, listening to uplifting music or cuddling up with a loved one.
  
  
• We can attack worry when and where it begins before it gets out of hand. Learn to distinguish between what is a clear and present danger that you must prepare for and what you really don't need to worry about. Worry may have been more of a necessity to our prehistoric ancestors in their daily fight for survival, but a "fight or flight" mentality is unhealthy when there is nothing to fight or run away from.
  
  
• We can reduce stress by keeping a light heart. Enjoy a sport, hobby or inspirational book that feeds your spirit. Have a good laugh with a special friend or a favorite comedian. Count your blessings. Listen to the whispers of your heart and soul, and follow through on the guidance you receive.
  
  
• Helping others will help us find a sense of meaning. In so doing, we also help ourselves. Consider volunteering such as giving blood, providing food for the hungry, helping out an elderly neighbor who doesn't get around very well anymore or being a big brother or sister to a child who needs a friend.
  
  
• We can learn to appreciate anew our friends and loved ones, and let them know how we feel about them. Be thankful for all the good and loving people in our country and throughout the family of nations. Acknowledge the debt that we all have to each and every one of the brave men and women who are risking their lives to promote freedom and equality of opportunity.
  
  
• We can avoid hatred. It may be hard not to hate those who hurt us, but whatever you do, don't extend that hate categorically. No nation and no religion is to blame for the misguided behavior of individuals and groups. Make an effort to get to know people of diverse backgrounds and to appreciate the similarities and differences of our diverse human family.

If we learned one thing from 9/11, it is that times of national crisis bring out the best in each of us. America is about people creatively giving of themselves and embracing the vision for a kinder, more loving world. The war and its potential challenges will eventually pass. A more peaceful future awaits if we each give our best to our loved ones, work for a safer and more compassionate world and unleash our reservoirs of love and creativity for the good of all.

Additional home and community security information can be found on the University of Missouri Extension web site at extension.missouri.edu/cemp/security/.

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Prepared by: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (Sam Quick, Ph.D., Human Development and Family Relations Specialist; Carole Gnatuk, Ed.D., Child Development Specialist; and Alex Lesueur, Jr., M.S.L.S, Staff Support Associate)
Source: Creating Quality Newsletter, Volume 12, Number 6, June 2003

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