It is little wonder that so many people are in a constant state of depression or anxiety. We are being continually barraged with negative messages from the moment we awake in the morning until our head hits the pillow in the evening.

Being bombarded with news of the latest terrorist attacks, terror warnings, disease warnings, natural disasters on international and national levels and the usual murders, sex attacks, muggings and crime sprees on a local level all combine to give one a pretty dismal view of the world. Even the entertainment industry is obsessed with pumping out movies and television series about disaster, murder and mayhem.

So, what can you do about it?

First, if you have your radio set to wake you up in the morning change it to a non-stop music station not a talk-back station. Do you really need to know how many people lost their lives in horrible ways while you slept? Talk-back feasts on negative news.

When reading your daily newspapers gloss over the negative garbage that fills most of the pages. Instead, turn to the sport or entertainment pages. Do the crossword or other puzzles. Read positive, good news stories - if you can find them! Always read the daily cartoon. Cartoonists usually find a way to put an amusing slant on a serious matter.

Understand this, ALL governments have picked up on the fact that fear is a great motivating force. I know the following comment will be controversial but I am going to make it anyway. Terrorism is their ally. Governments can ram through all sorts of draconian legislation in the guise of "protecting the nation." Just look at what is happening in your own country as proof of that.

Keeping you afraid is the second string in the bow of all governments. The first string, of course, is to keep you poor. Poor and afraid is a winning combination for governments. Populations that are poor and kept in a constant state of fear are easily controlled. Isn't this precisely what ALL politicians want? Think about it. They have a vested interest in perpetuating these negative influences on your life.

Your defense against this invasive assault against you is variable. It all depends on how you choose to cope with it. You can:

1. read positive books
2. listen to "happy" music
3. watch light-hearted entertaining movies
4. go for a nice walk (minus your cell phone)
5. visit friends who you enjoy spending time with
6. go to a restaurant
7. learn a new skill
8. engage in a personal development course

Taking your mind off what media companies and governments are force-feeding you with is a great way not to fall under the mesmeric spell that the doomsayers and naysayers of the world want you to feel.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.