Open Thread Update: What Makes You Happy?
Thanking God for each day He lets me be on this Earth, enjoying the beauty that is all around me.
And Reader Dave suggests a different brand of Vitamin G…
I enjoy Rotary Club events immensely, which fits others who have written about volunteering and doing good for others. But I’m a bit surprised I haven’t read anyone writing about what has become the greatest joy in my entire life: grandchildren! … I’m with them almost every day!
…I joined the Senior Planet Community, Stitch.net and Meetup and started several pen pal communities. I like connecting with people all over the world to share life experiences. The conversation continues in the Aging With Attitude group on the Senior Planet Community website.
I now embrace “bad days”. I’m a JOMO = Joy Of Missing Out. The feeling of joy and contentment of not having to join in or participate.
Music, Music
…turn on the music and it picks me right up. Got cooking or cleaning to do? A lively playlist from Andy Grammar or Shania Twain gets me singing and moving.
.. and while Reader Belinda is a dedicated Virtual Swiftie, Reader Jim S. prefers to DIY…
I’m picking up my guitar lessons I abandoned some 40+ years ago.
YOUR TURN
Take a spin through the Comments – you’re sure to find a new way to lift your spirits…and if we’ve missed one, add your own!
Original Text
Sometimes it doesn’t take much – a sunny day, or a phone call from a friend. Other times, I need a bit of help.
It’s tricky to try and engineer joy. My old standby was a nice brisk run at the gym, but my lumbar region has filed a very strong complaint. A cupcake or chocolate chip cookie doesn’t work, but I’m always willing to try it one more time, just in case.
Lately I’ve been looking for other ideas to add to the toolbox. So far fixing something in my apartment seems to work (I’m not doing cartwheels but the sense of accomplishment is nice), and listening to comedy albums isn’t bad either….but I’m stumped for ideas.
YOUR TURN
So how about you? What works for you when your mood needs a lift? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send your suggestions for Open Threads to her at editor@seniorplanet.org.
Interested in personalized content? Sign up for free
Create an account and join our vibrant community to get reminders on classes and unlock a more personalized experience.
Comments
What makes happy? Talking to my granddaughter and daughter on the phone!
That is definitely #1
I am always jumping up and dancing when I play Tunes . . . by the Boss . . . . . Bruce ! ! ! I feel like I have grown old with him . . . . but his music never gets older . . . . he touches all the bases. . . . he refreshes and renews and brings it . . .
What makes me happy?
1. Listening to jazz while sipping iced tea on my lanai and reading a book.
2. Volunteering (witnessing the gratitude from the people you help)
3. Jet-skiing, whitewater river rafting, racing cars
4. Traveling
5. Photography
6. Singing
7. Dancing to music with a great tempo
We were working in Australia (live in the USA) and while arriving in the Melbourne airport, I could tell security was tighter than usual. They had one of the hallways blocked in half with red plush handrail. I was closest to this barrier. I looked up and coming toward me was Michael Jackson in his Sargent Pepper red jacket (with the gold epaulets) and his entourage. If I’d have leaned a little over the divider I would have brushed an actual shoulder of Michael Jackson. A vivid memory!
I do zumba four mornings a week. The upbeat music gets me moving and keeps me limber so that I have the energy to do my errands on the way home. When I get home, I treat myself to a banana and a bottle of Starbucks Frappuccino with a drop of doTerra peppermint oil for an additional pick me up. I also love to read, watch movies or crochet while listening to music.