The Good New Days

 

People love their stories, especially those about ‘the good old days.’  There’s even a magazine called Good Old Days. Nothing wrong with bygones, nostalgia, looking back—unless you get stuck there.  Many do. They start living in the past and neglect the good new days that are here to enjoy.

If you look back more often than you look forward, it might be time to consider what you’re missing. Leslie Alderman in her article, “Get Happy,” published in Real Simple magazine (September, 2005), reminds readers that happiness (including having fun) brings its own reward.  “. . .it feels good–but it has another benefit:  it’s great for your health.”

Researchers who study the science of happiness, according to Alderman’s report,  have found that “happier people live longer, have stronger immune systems, and are more resilient to stress than their less sanguine counterparts.”

What are some of the simple things you can do to make the most of the good new days? To have more fun, more pleasure, more relaxation?  Start by making subtle changes in your daily life. Keep your to-do list under control. You don’t need to vacuum every day. You could change your linens twice a month instead of once a week. Cut down your volunteer activities. Which one do you really enjoy? Focus on that and let the others go.

Make sure you have plenty of ‘funshine’ in your life each day. Do at least one thing that makes you happy. Don’t let other people manipulate you into doing what is fun for them—at your expense. Treat yourself as a loving friend.

If you want to take a nap, go for it.  If you love to walk your dog and chat with people you meet along the way, do that.  If, like Margaret, your pleasure comes from sewing, then turn on your machine at least a few hours a week and pull out the fabric. If that means letting the dishes slide or your bed go unmade for a few hours, so be it.  Fun is as important as a tidy kitchen or beautiful bedroom.

If you relax with classical music or a good book or find pleasure in pruning your roses and arranging a bouquet, choose that, and make it an essential part of your routine.  Spending time with people you love, laughing, walking, keeping up with a hobby, are just a few simple ways to help yourself remain interested in the good new days and to remain interesting to others.

As one woman said to her husband who focuses on watching movies and reading books about World War II, “The war is over and we won!  Now let’s go dancing.”

I’m with her.  We can learn from the past. We can be grateful for it. But we’re here now and it’s time to step into the present and be part of it.

Right now, jot down ten things you can do to add more fun to your life.  Here are some ideas to consider.
Enroll in an art or writing class even if you’re unsure of your talent. You might be surprised.
Prepare a picnic with a friend, spouse, or grandchild.  Bring a ball and a Frisbee.
Join the YMCA or a local gym. Choose an exercise class that sounds like fun.
Take out four books from the local library and read one each week this month.
Climb into bed earlier than usual. Listen to some music and just breathe.
Make a pot of tea or a pitcher of lemonade. Sit in the yard, sip, and relax.
Invite a friend to join you for a concert, lecture, or tour of a museum.
Join a hiking, bird-watching, or flower club and get close to nature.
Plan a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to see.
Buy yourself a single rose every Friday.

Raise your happiness quotient by including fun in your life—regardless of how you were raised, the messages you received about ‘work’ when you were young, your current age, what others think or say.  It’s your life—God’s gift to you—to respect, cherish, and live in the moment. These are the good new days. And they are yours to enjoy.

Make sure you have plenty of 'funshine' in your life each day. @MargaretMcSweeney @KarenOconnor #fun
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