If you ask anyone what they want, you’ll probably hear, “I just want to be happy.” No wonder. It’s been ingrained in us from the fairy tales where the prince and princess live “happily ever after” to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” in our Declaration of Independence.
To help live a happier and healthier life, for the last seven years October has been celebrated as Gorge Happiness Month, reminding us to practice the “Daily Three.” Do you remember?
Gratitude: Find time each day to list three things for which you are thankful. It could be a good night’s sleep, an absorbing book, or a visit from one of your grandchildren.
Acts of kindness: It can be as simple as picking up a piece of trash, delivering meals or telling a good joke — or a really bad one. (Why can’t you trust stairs? They’re always up to something.)
Moments of silence: I find this the hardest. Sit silently for just five minutes every day. Turn off the TV or radio, which are often our familiar and constant companions, and just sit still and observe your thoughts and everything around you.
Happiness is a desirable state of mind, something we all strive for, but should happiness be our ultimate goal? That is the question Peter Nathan asks in his article, “Is being happy the goal in life?” on Linkedin.
Besides happiness, Nathan identifies other life goals influenced by your own perspective and life experiences.
Meaning and purpose: Focusing on contributing to something greater than yourself.
Altruism and service: Dedicating yourself to helping others and making a positive impact.
Personal growth and development: Continual self-improvement by acquiring new skills and challenging yourself.
Balance and harmony: Seeking a well-rounded and satisfying life by achieving a sense of balance and harmony across different aspects of your life.
And I might add, taking care of your mind and body -— which can be a full-time job!
We don’t always live happily ever after. Life is hard, full of potholes and detours. Although happiness may not be your ultimate goal, whatever it is, whether a life of purpose or just getting out of bed every morning, following the Daily Three will help you be happier and healthier in your life journey.
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Brain Tease: Find the missing number in the sequence: 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, ?, 17, 19
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The name of the bi-weekly, general-interest magazine that emphasized photos more than articles and was published from 1937-1971 with subscriptions second to only Life magazine was Look magazine. I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Steve Woolpert, Dave Lutgens, Marny Weting, Donna Mollett, Keith Clymer, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Deloris Schrader, Rebecca Abrams, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Bruce Johnson, who sent in a picture of Stanley Kubick when he was the youngest photographer in Look magazine’s history at 17 years old.
This reminds me: I have some disappointing news. In September, the Mid-Columbia Senior Center held a Block Party celebrating Senior Center Month. During the event, the quilt raffle drawing was held, and of the more than 50 “Remember When” winners that were entered, no one won! But I promise I’ll keep trying!
Alfred Hitchcock, the “Master of Suspense,” produced and directed more than 50 films, including many classics: Northwest by Northwest, Rear Window, and Vertigo. But probably his most memorable film was Psycho — which I’ve never seen because the movie trailer was too frightening!
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the hotel in Psycho where Jane Leigh’s character stops for a night and is gruesomely murdered in the terrifying shower scene? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with the recording of the composition of screeching violins, violas, and cellos titled “The Murder.”
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Well, it has been another week, looking for a verb in a city of nouns. Until we meet again, keep the flags flying.
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“When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
— John Lennon
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Mondays and Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
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Answer: 13 because all the numbers in the sequence are prime numbers.
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