What picks you up?

I find this time of year always hard -- the holidays are over, it's still cold most of the time (at least if you live in an area that has winter), and colds, flus, and other viruses are still knocking people out. Yet the promise of spring is starting to appear. Daylight is lengthening, trees are starting to bud, early spring flowers are preparing for growth.

The sun is a very powerful force. That's why people tend to feel gloomy on cloudy days and brighten up when it's sunny. There are other things that can pick you up, too. Reading a good book; a smile; a hug; an honest compliment; a nice cup of tea; a piece of rich chocolate; a relaxing walk; visiting a new place whether it's in real life or a virtual world like Second Life; petting a kitten, puppy, or other animal; a bubble bath; watching the sky, and writing. All of these can take you away for a few minutes to a few hours and give you a much needed break from the stresses of everyday routines.

So when you're feeling low and the skies are gray, do something that picks you up. You'll feel better and more hopeful that brighter days are coming.