So far, based on earlier posts in this series:

1. it’s nowhere near about you to the extent you might think
2. you’re going to be like a tree on a hill
3. you have more power than you think you do
4. and it's good to tend to the good.*

On this last day of Thanksgiving week here in the U.S, there's the post-holiday torpor hanging over the house. Maybe some of us had a great family day. Maybe some of us are just glad it's over.

I'd like to encourage you to try something simple to continue coping well with the holidays by keeping your gaze on the horizon. Not so much that you never glance down at where you're stepping, and trip -- but just enough to give you that nice, light feeling of optimism.

Look down at your feet for a moment.

Down there is where all your problems are, where all the things that aren't working live, in a circle around your feet. Even tilting your face down like this subtly changes your mood and sense of possibility.

See?

Now... raise your head, straighten your shoulders and look ahead of you, off in the distance a bit. Think of yourself moving into your life grounded and calm, implacable.

Think of yourself in your revised, awesome version of your story, where you meet adversity with grit and grace.

Take a deep breath, and think of yourself, aware of your blessings, appreciating and noticing the richness of your life.

When you start to feel sour-minded and overwhelmed, notice whether your gaze is up or down.

If it's down, then bring it up... and see what happens.

*You'll find part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4 here.

© 2010 Jennifer Newcomb Marine      All Rights Reserved