In Trying Times...

What we thought would be a much-deserved warm and happy spring has turned into a difficult time for many. It's hard to enjoy the sun shining when miles away, troops from the United States are at war.

But intead of sitting glued to the television, you may want to consider contributing to the support effort at home.

It's been my struggle lately - how to help. You can watch these images from afar to stay informed, but in the long run, that may only make you feel helpless. So if you're like me, you're looking for ways to get involved and help out. To make a positive out of a negative. To help others...and to help yourself deal with the stress of what others are going through...

Here are a few ways to help, some avenues you may want to explore.

1. Get the paper! You'll find media coverage of events, calendars and other happenings going on that can use your help. Whether it is donating supplies or hanging yellow ribbons, you'll get a chance to contribute to local causes. Building ties with your neighbors is always good, that's why this is my favorite recommendation. Just remember to make a note of charities. It's sad we have to be cautious, but you want to make sure what you do is directly helping the troops, especially if money is directly donated. So use your judgement, find a great cause and lend a hand!

2. Get on the web! There are a number of web sites dedicated to helping troops. Through sites such as http://www.operationmilitarypride.org and http://militarymoms.net, you can send packages, cards or simply talk to others to vent your feelings and express your thoughts. Don't forget about http://www.operationshoebox.com, another great site worth checking out. If you want selection, go to a search engine such as Yahoo! And type in some keywords. No doubt there are many worthy causes out there on the web.

Just check out the charity, the requirements and the process before you contribute anything. Also, many of these sites have specific instructions for mailing packages and such. So check that out to ensure that your package or card arrives safely.

3. Talk to friends. If you need to vent your feelings, pick up the phone. It's crucial during trying times to have a support system. Don't brush off your feelings - war affects us all, even if we're not in combat. A lot of web sites offer support for those going through hard times dealing with the war. And above all, if you need to see a counselor, don't be ashamed. We are up against forces today that the world has never seen - it's natural to be stressed.

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