Are we happy yet?

    Finding the reasons why so many live with unhappiness and experience depression is
an easy task. We could make lists of what it is that causes us to complain and feel misery.
But, instead, let’s shift into answering the question, “How can we regularly experience
happiness, especially in the last chapter of our lives?
These suggestions may resonate with you.

Start by becoming aware of your thoughts about yourself and others. Do you find yourself
being critical and judgmental, focusing on those things in yourself and others that are
negative? If so, notice, and pivot away, turn it around, replacing those thoughts with kinder
words. Create a mantra you say to yourself, over and over, until the hard thoughts dissipate.
As an example, “I forgive them (or myself). “You did the best you could.” or “We are only
human. No one is perfect, especially me.”

   To be happier, let go of what is no longer working for you. It could be a friendship, a job, a
city, a lifestyle. What once brought a happy feeling perhaps is not currently the case, at this
age. Learning how to release and let go is instrumental in having a more pleasing life.

    Simplify your surroundings and slim down your activities so you can relieve the stress of
doing too much. Consider whether your home is still the right size for your current lifestyle.
Might it be a good thing to get rid of many possessions, so you don’t need tp care for so
many things in so many rooms.

   Go out into nature as much as possible. Even in weather that is very hot or cold, find the
best time of day to get some fresh air, put on the right clothes and go for a walk. Be
inspired by the natural beauty you see around you.

     Get out of the chair and move your body. A sedentary lifestyle harms both the body and
the mind. Physical exercise can lift-up the spirit, especially when you find way to exercise
that feel good to you.

    Indulge in some self-care, whatever that means for you. It helps to understand, ”If I don’t
take good care of myself, who will?” Maybe taking care of yourself means you have a
massage, or take a class to learn something new or go n a trip.

   Reach out, seeking friends who are (mostly) happy people. If you are always around those
who are complaining and unpleasant, it affects your mood, Whenever possible put some
distance between yourself and those who, when you are with them, your energy feels
drained.

   Do what pleases you, not always what others want for you. Find out what things bring you
pleasure, things that are good for you...like calling an old friend, going to a good movie,
visiting the beach. Find some pleasure, even a litle bit, each day
...Find a way to contribute to your community, sometimes volunteering your skills and
talents, believing you can impact the world around you, making it a better place.
...Reflect on your whole life, all your achievements, and your courage in getting through the
hard parts, knowing that whatever life deals to you, you have always come through, mostly
intact. Keep a journal to express how you are feeling...all the miracle and all the suffering.
...Work on being content with how it is.”It is what it is” is a worth while mantra to repeat and
accept.

...Let go of the preconceived notion of aging as a period of decline, loss and irrelevance.
Instead, view getting old as a period of potentially renewed engagement, energy and
meaningful activity.
Angelena Craig
March 2025