Turn on your television. What do you see and hear? More often than not, you will have some pretty girl or handsome guy claiming they have an answer to any one of the myriad problems you may - or may not, have. Always remember, they are talking to the masses, not to you as an individual.

Some of us get confused by this - reality. Few of us will ever get to live the life suggested by what the TV producers call reality. That world ought be entitled what it actually is - fantasy.

You and I live in reality. It is where we are when get up every morning, go through the day involved in and it will stil be there as we close our eyes to go to sleep.

And if it is not what we would like it to be, we still have a choice. That is the beauty of living in a land where the rights of the individual are so highly regarded. We can be who were created to be.

Therein is the greatest reality "trip" of all, far surpassing anything the TV can offer.

And you can prove it with a few simple steps, that will not take anything out of your pocketbook.

When you awaken each morning, give thanks. Give thanks that you are living in a secure place, surrounded by the things you love and that your body will be fed according to your tastes.

As you step outside, give a good look at your surroundings and appreciate what you see. Pause to think of the millions who are not as blessed as you are in that moment.

On your way to work, or school, or wherever it is is that you will spend the day, give a smile to everyone you meet. Ignore the counsel of those who do not want others to invite strangers into their lives by advertising that you are a friendly person. Always remember, there are a thousand "good" people for every "bad" person you might meet.

When you reach your daily destination, take time to look at these surrounding and again, appreciate all there is about you. It is your opportunity to demonstrate your talents or, increase them, or just do whatever you have decided to do on this particular day.

Then, as your day draws to a close, once again, give thanks for the experience of this day.

In closing, it may be that you have just read this and are bedridden or unable to do any of the things cited above. Take the advice of the millions who have preceded you or who are in the same situation. Use you mind to look at the world just beyond you circumstance and take note of all who love you, who may be caring for you and realize, you may even more blessed than all of the others, combined.

It is in giving, that living becomes a joy.