The sixth portal is Finding Mentors. When we are attacked, it is our hope and optimism that is often most attacked and in essence our future. What we need most is to get that back. This is where mentors help so much. We need to find positive mentors everywhere -- heroes on television, friends and positive e-letters on web, loved ones, good books, fine music and even animals that teach us so much about love and connection. Don't laugh, but laughter is a mentor of sorts. Laughing takes us back to our positive center by teaching us how good it feels to feel good! Who are some of your mentors?

The last portal is Gateway of Positive Action. Often, when terror strikes we feel helpless and in paralysis. Good mental health requires that we move beyond these feelings. Inactivity is not good for us. Positive action is best antidote to mental 'poison.'

Why? Because we not only help ourselves but others in process. We start chain reaction that eventually sends a message that we will not be swamped by darkness. Remember how much darkness one little candle can get rid of? We are each potentially thousands of candles. What are some positive actions you can take over next few weeks? Jot them down. These actions can feel good to do and also be good for you as well as others. For me, one of my positive actions is that I am writing to you and I hope that fits above definition. I enjoy writing to you! I look forward to responses from you and most importantly I hope my message has been good for you!

For example, I recently reread a letter from Cindy Dior, an art therapist from Tempe, Arizona. She said in her letter, "I am in love with idea of doing what feels good, tapping into potential that serves to spark our creativity and positive experiences. Rather than starting healing process with people at place of their victimization -- depressing, grieving aspects of their lives, I want to start from perspective of what is joyous in their lives; what is beautiful and meaningful to them, what is really working for them. I want to encourage people to dwell on positive experiences of their lives so that they can maintain a more positive state of being every day. I am convinced that by practicing a reframing of thoughts and ideas, people can change and grow and become all that they can be."

I had never met Cindy. Obviously, her ideas meshed with mine. I was startled by uplifting power and sense of joy I felt knowing that someone out west had read my work, and not only connected with it, but bothered to share with me how her work also emphasized similar elements.

Yes, I have come to believe that there is a synergy around world in various places, a magical network of people -- people of all backgrounds who wish and are working for a more wholesome, optimistic world where we can stay committed to a communal sharing of positive energies.

In another short article I wish to continue and tell you about more people I have met in this exciting 'mind' travel I am now doing and also how another unexpected modern miracle has taken me on even more unexpected modern day 'pen pal' adventures!