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Constitution:
The Constitution of the United States contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured and how it operates. The first three articles establish the three branches of government and their powers: Legislative (Congress), Executive (office of the President,) and Judicial (Federal court system). A system of checks and balances prevents any one of these separate powers from becoming dominant. Articles four through seven describe the relationship of the states to the Federal Government, establish the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, and define the amendment and ratification processes.
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What You Do to Lift Your Spirits
We asked you, our readers, how you stay positive and calm when times are rough
Watching the birds at a backyard feeder. Cooking a favorite meal. Talking to a friend. Reading poetry. Going to the library. These are just some examples of the simple suggestions we received when we posed the question "What do you do to lift your spirits?" a few weeks ago in our newsletter, The Twice Weekly.
We all need a mental health boost now and then. Hopefully you'll find some advice from your fellow readers that will help you find a little joy.
How You Cope
Definitely doing stuff outdoors with a friend or two — often with my husband, but importantly not always, activities like:
hiking
swimming across a pond
kayaking/canoeing
cross-country skiing or skating
working in my yard
Indoors:
Planning a trip
Talking with a friend on the phone
Staring outside at the beautiful view across a pond
Watching the birds at the feeder
Sometimes, cooking a really great dinner
Nature experiences are totally reliable for lifting my spirits. There is so much beauty and complexity out there, far more than I will ever comprehend.
— Ann G.
When I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to meet the needs of relatives, or just feeling overwhelmed with all the things that I need to stay informed about as I age, I will:
Read a Fantasy/Science Fiction novel about a female heroine who acknowledges mistakes but continues to try to resolve the issues in her life. Eventually she learns to appreciate various sources of support and manages to reduce if not eliminate the issues weighing her down.
Locate a comic who can make me laugh just talking about everyday events
Call a friend or relative to share moans and groans with or compare notes about dealing with aging as a single woman
— Pat W.
When You Live Alone
I live by myself. When I'm having a bad day or a bad week I watch children's programming on PBS. It raises my spirits.
Other things I do:
Call a friend and visit; share that I am having a bad day
Set up a time to meet a friend for coffee or lunch — something to look forward to
Get outdoors
Sit on the porch. Watch people walk by and people in the neighborhood, visit with a neighbor. Watch the birds and squirrels and other wildlife. Look at the plants and flowers in the yard.
Do some form of exercise
Read uplifting stories and books, poetry
Sing and listen to music
Watch a silly video or movie online
Journal my feelings
Fix a nice meal, something special just for me
Complete a small task that will make me feel good
Write a note, send a card
Cry when I feel sad
Go to a public place such as a library or grocery store, anywhere there are people and interact, even briefly, with others
Talk to myself. Create and repeat a positive affirmation, something I would want someone to tell me for loving support.
Preventive Activities:
Learn and practice meditation
Learn and practice Tai Chi
Read short uplifting spiritual messages in the morning and at night
Keep a gratitude journal and add 3 things for each day that I feel grateful for
Recomended:
Coalition Calendar: (click on the calendar)
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