Advice from a small-town girl

Numerous studies have shown that our balance becomes impaired as we age. Numerous other studies have shown that regular exercise can help us maintain our balance, and even improve it.

This week we’re going to exercise. To begin, stand up (if you can) and stretch. Reach for the stars, one arm at a time. Lean first to the left, then the right. Or vice versa. Wriggle your fingers and tilt your head one way, then the other.

Great.

Now, find a piece of paper and a pencil.

First, draw a horizontal line on the paper, at least 6 inches long.

Now place a symbol for the United States at the center of the line. We are going to imagine this as the place where our government can function politically. Like this:

Okay, great job!

Next I would like you to put a smiley face on top of the line, where you imagine your political, fiscal and social comfort zone is. If you really don’t like smiley faces, use whatever symbol you’d like.

Then choose a politician, party or commentator who you really dislike. Put a frowny face on top of the line where you think his/her/their position should be.

The last part of the exercise has some rules:

First, if your smiley face is exactly where the U.S. symbol is, think again. Most of us tend to think of ourselves as middle-of-the-road, but in actuality are not.

Second, do not think of the line as a teeter-totter. Rather, use the road analogy, and assume that the country should be somewhere near the center line.

Third, and most important, you must remember that the only symbol you can move is your own. We want to believe we can influence the behavior of others, but it’s a pipe dream.

Finally, think of one thing you can do that will help (and I want to emphasize that word) to result in all three symbols being closer together.

Now do it.

Have fun!