Here's a Christmas present, belatedly, for all my “Gray Power” readers. It's a condensation of one of the best articles I've read in my Guideposts Magazine in a long time. It is used with Guideposts' permission.

“Seven Ways to a Joyous Day” is the title. The author is Max Lucardo, who feels that one should rejoice rather than retreat when a paralyzing fear comes along. His seven strategies tell you how, and here they are.

1. Fret Not: Anxiety will ruin your day! “Always assume everyone likes you,” says Max. That habit changes how one views the world. Why worry when you believe you are surrounded by friends.

2. Forgive Freely: Forgiving is not about saying that what a person did is OK. It's making the choice to let the hurt or anger go, when offended. It frees you up to move on!

3. Fear Not: Fear is a joy killer. It can stress you out. Do the other thing -- trust! Place your trust in God. Believe that God is in control of our lives.

4. Live passionately: Discover what you like to do best, and do it! Writing has always been that thing for me. There's a wallop of passion that comes from doing something that comes from the soul.

5. Get Over It: Take a break from your problems. Dwell on the positives in your life.

6. Count Your Blessings: Make gratitude your mental habit.

7. Color Your World: Assume the day will be good, and it will be. Don't let it lose an once of its luster. Think positive!

Now reread number 1, and go to it! Lots of people like you, you know, - not just your mother! That's the thought for today. Think positive!

Dorothy Nelson lives and writes in Auburn