Dear Jean and Richard, I enjoy reading your column because it is one of the few things in the paper that is not all doom and gloom. Are you ever concerned that your design advice has little merit with all the country's economic troubles? --sign me "Worried"

Jean: Hi Reid. (Worried seems so formal.) I understand your point, but I think you may be missing a larger one. The thing is, you don't have to eat and sleep bad news to be aware of a struggling economy. There are, after all, a few constants in life, and your home is usually one of them. That home, however humble, is still your castle and your domain. It may even be one of the few places you have a sense of control, and where small investments can yield big psychological returns.

Richard: I agree that the country is going through a lot of adjustments right now, but in our business we're used to adjusting lifestyles. Someone may be redecorating their home instead of moving, or converting a downstairs instead of building a house. Regardless of the investment level, there are still design decisions to be made with any interior project. Life goes on.

Jean: After holiday festivities, the cold short days of January can be depressing, all the cheerful Christmas lights are gone, and the national news always seems especially bleak. For a lot of people, the temptation to worry increases. One of my strengths is organization, and I've come up with the perfect solution for all my hand-wringing friends: the Worry Calendar.

Richard: I’m already worried that you’ll give me one for my birthday.

Jean: Here’s what you do. Let’s say you just heard about the latest bail-out, and you’re concerned about whether the government should be spending your tax dollars on this or that industry, but you’re just too busy to worry about it right now. On the Worry Calendar you can schedule a time to think more about that—say June 15, 2010. By then, the problem may be resolved without your worry and in the meantime you avoided all kinds of negative thinking! See how easy that is?

Richard: I have you down on my calendar to worry about—let me check—yep, today and every day.

Jean: OK, so the Worry Calendar is not working for you. But I’m telling you, rather than being depressed about the economy, or politics, or whatever new worry the news is creating, it’s better to invest yourself in something productive. For that reason alone, focusing on your lifestyle and home environment has a lot of merit.

Richard: In my opinion, taking pride in your home and making the most of it is always important, and not just a diversion. The positive effects of good design, decluttering and organizing closets and cabinets can easily enhance your whole outlook and attitude, the same way good food and fellowship affects your mood. In addition to a more inviting interior, a refurbished room can provide a sense of accomplishment and entice you to spend more time at home than out spending money.

Jean: The next time you catch yourself worrying about things you can’t do anything about, start listing those things in the house you can actually improve or begin changing. The process of creating a fresh environment can be inspiring and even elevate your optimism.

Richard: And remember, baby steps. One project at a time and progress, not perfection.