It’s Gorge Happiness Month, which was launched in 2016 to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of One Community Health. And every October since, I have written about the “Daily Three” habits to increase your happiness.
So here is a test — which from my experience, never increased my happiness, but let’s ignore that.
What are the “Daily Three” that help people build habits that research has associated with greater happiness, stronger social connections, and improved well-being?
But before I list the “Daily Three,” I learned Gorge Happiness is shifting its focus, no longer offering a daily list of activities, and instead offering more projects you can participate in throughout the year: Art A Day, Awe Walks, Tea and Tranquility, Art Box, Book Clubs, and several more. If any of these projects whets your curiosity, you can find more detailed information at www.gorgehappiness.org.
Now let’s see if you passed the test.
The “Daily Three”
Gratitudes: Each day, mentally or written in a Happiness Journal, list three things you are thankful for. And they can be simple. We often forget the little blessings.
Acts of Kindness: These can be as easy as picking up a piece of trash, opening the door for a stranger, delivering Meals-on-Wheels.
Moments of Silence and Reflection: Sit silently, eyes closed for just five minutes per day. Silence your cell phone, and listen to the thoughts in your head, the sounds you hear, and any other sensations you experience.
Practicing these three simple practices can make a noticeable difference in your well-being when done consistently throughout the month.
Then, as Bobby McFerrin sang, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Well, at least be happy!
•••
On Oct. 14-15 at Brookside Manor (1550 Brookside Drive in Hood River), you will have an opportunity to sense what it’s like to live with dementia: the confusion, frustration, sensory changes, and the difficulty completing ordinary tasks. I found it to be a powerful and illuminating experience. For more details and to schedule an appointment, email Lisa.White4@providence.org or call 541-387-6370 and ask for Lisa.
•••
Brain Tease: Try this “Three Switches — One Light Bulb” puzzle.
You’re in a mansion with a light bulb in the attic and three switches in the basement. It’s late in the evening, and you’re tired, so you can only go from the basement to the attic once. How do you figure out which switch controls the light bulb?
•••
The name of Roy Rogers’ co-star in his television show and his wife for more than 50 years was Dale Evans. I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Ellen Black, Vern Seal, Mike Monroe, Patti Jo McCarthy, Pat Evenson-Brady, Tom Schaefer — who pointed out that Dale Evans wrote the theme song “Happy Trails” — Jay Waterbury, Bruce Johnson, Judy Kiser, Donna Mollet, Doug Nelson, Shelley Hinatsu, Ken Jernstedt, Julie Hoffman, Dave Lutgens, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer and Eva Summers, who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
I still see this sparkling mineral water brand in grocery stores, but when it was first introduced in 1976, did you think as I did, “What’s the big deal? It tastes terrible!”
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what is the name of this green bottled water from a spring in Vergèze, France, that was marketed by the Englishman St. John Harmsworth as the elegant “champagne of table waters?” Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-980-4645, or send it with an imported cheese board featuring Brie, Camembert, or aged Gouda.
•••
Well, it’s been another week, trying to sneak a look around the corner. And as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans once sang, “Happy trails to you until we meet again.”
•••
“People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured if you had enough money, you can have a key made.”
— Joan Rivers
•••
Once again, my first-of-the-month reminder of the nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals throughout the Gorge — where new acquaintances become good friends. Meals are available at noon Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted.
• Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays
• Dufur — Wednesdays at noon at 320 NE Second St.
• 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 at the Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068). In Skamania County, call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
•••
Answer: Turn on the first switch and wait for 5 minutes. Then turn it off and turn on the second switch. Go to the attic. If the light is on, the second switch controls it. If the light is off, touch the bulb: if it’s warm, the first switch is the correct one; if it’s cold, the third switch controls the light.
Commented