Comments on: Open Thread Update: What Makes You Happy? https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/ Aging With Attitude Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:34:02 +0000 hourly 1 By: Marie https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-515754 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:34:02 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-515754 What makes happy? Talking to my granddaughter and daughter on the phone!
That is definitely #1

]]> By: Jennifer H Gould https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-515001 Thu, 08 Aug 2024 18:40:31 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-515001 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 . . .

]]> By: Nancy H https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514933 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:29:49 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514933 In reply to Susan BRAUNER.

Nothing, especially my husband.

]]> By: Pat Sanchez-Barton https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514915 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:31:51 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514915 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

]]> By: Glenda D Sparling https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514840 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 23:21:02 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514840 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!

]]> By: Anne Streit https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514829 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:21:51 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514829 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.

]]> By: dr. jeanne powell https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514255 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 02:11:04 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514255 What makes me happy? [1] Listening to England’s John Oliver in one of his wonderfully witty rants about the state of things generally. Available on YouTube.
[2] Decluttering and reorganizing my living space. So many surprises come from this activity.
[3] Rereading a really well written memoir, or a collection of poems.
[4] Stepping out of my comfort zone, by visiting Taiwan last March.
[5] Leaving my comfort zone again, by visiting Tuscany later this month.
[6] Waking up each morning.

]]> By: gail https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514200 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:29:48 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514200 In reply to May.

#4 – thank you for posting that. Going to try it.

]]> By: Kathie Alfstad https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514187 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:51:13 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514187 In reply to Kathy Howard.

I paint rocks too! Silly hobby I took up when I retired. I also started doing watercolors, so much to learn!

]]> By: Kay Erl https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514184 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:38:42 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514184 In reply to Victoria Bourgeacq.

Yes!!

]]> By: Kay Erl https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514183 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:37:39 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514183 In reply to Linda Greethurst.

So true! I had a few errands to do yesterday. They could have waited until next week, but I was a bit down. (This repressive heat is keeping me inside.) So I did those errands, nodded, made eye contact & said “hi” to several people. I felt much better when I returned home.

]]> By: Rev. Kathy McLean-Davis https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514119 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:11:16 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514119 In reply to Vicki.

Sounds delightful. I just returned from Ireland where I developed a love of tea. It’s just so hot in Texas right now, so I can’t bring myself to drink it. But as soon as it cools off, (if it cools off) I’ll be having tea every day.

]]> By: Rev. Kathy McLean-Davis https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514118 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:08:58 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514118 In reply to Susan Stevens.

I’m with you. For me the joy is in the planning. I LOVE planning. Wish I could make money at it.

]]> By: Susana Leonoff https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514109 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:49:55 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514109 Soy feliz con algunos problemas, que me limitan tener una calidad de vida plena, tengo una fractura de brazo derecho, que no se recupera, con dos cirujias y genera dolor hace ya mas de un anio, y. parkinson

]]> By: Dave Amen https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514064 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:19:05 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514064 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!

Our 18-year-old granddaughter lives with us, her 14-year-old brother who lives across the country spends every summer and Xmas with us, and we have four others aged 6,4,2 and 11 months who live 10 minutes away. I’m with them almost every day!

]]> By: fran https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514063 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:10:27 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514063 In reply to Kathy Howard.

YES THERE IS joy inside I nourish it with meditation and watching and empty blue clear sky without thinking just being.

]]> By: Deborah Towler https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514054 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:48:42 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514054 In reply to Victoria Bourgeacq.

You are absolutely right. That’s all it takes for me also is some good music.!!!

]]> By: Linda Greethurst https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514053 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:47:06 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514053 Go to a store, any kind of store, make eye contact with as many people you can and then give them a big smile. Watch their eyes light up when they return that smile. Start a smile epidemic!

]]> By: Varonica Holland https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-514051 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:18:02 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-514051 I like to check in with family and friends, read a good book.
What brings me most joy is crafting. I love making greeting cards for family, friends and senior organizations; taking acrylic and watercolor painting classes. Starting soon I will be learning how to play piano. Thanking God for each day He lets me be on this Earth, enjoying the beauty that is all around me.

]]> By: Milt Haynes https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-513618 Sat, 27 Jul 2024 13:36:54 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-513618 I go online to hang out with friends. 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.

]]> By: Kathy B https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-513553 Sat, 27 Jul 2024 01:53:11 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-513553 In reply to Kathy Howard.

nice!

]]> By: Beverly D. Williams https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-513278 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 03:30:09 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-513278 In reply to Janice.

You have a great sense of humor!! Those are some of my favorites also.

]]> By: Belinda https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-513030 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 21:58:36 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-513030 Happy! Since May, 2024 I have followed the awesome Taylor Swift Eras Tour, full of an exceptional talented crew of musicians, dancers, vocalists and a virtual tour of concerts with thousands of fans! I smile, cry, and sing along, am energized. She’s going strong at 34!

]]> By: Victoria Bourgeacq https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512981 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:49:44 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512981 My favorite music, it helps!

]]> By: Susan BRAUNER https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512950 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:16:44 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512950 How I bring Joy to a down day. 1. Do Nothing. Maybe I just need a rest. 2. Do Anything. A small project so when it’s done it’s done and I can look at it proudly. 3. Call someone who you can say “im having a down day. How are you? ” and see where that goes. Maybe lunch, a walk, just talk about a book, movie. 4. 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.

]]> By: Sandra A Ragju https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512947 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:29:00 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512947 What lifts me up…any opportunity to serve others in need. I try to live by the words, “if I can do some good today, Lord please show me how.”
A feeling of eternal gratitude for the opportunity takes over my entire being as soon
as one of those moments call me to action and allow me to be of service.

]]> By: Anne Paine https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512946 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:20:46 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512946 Any of the following:
A piece of dark chocolate
Music I can sing along with
Listening to Netflix standup comics (not all do the trick)
Listening to a Jane Austin audio book
Driving for SeniorRides in Nashville
Walking with my neighbor
Watching birds at a block of hot pepper infused suet so squirrels don’t eat it
Listening to frogs behind my house
Getting rid of possessions
Getting the laundry folded

]]> By: Charlie https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512945 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 02:01:24 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512945 Putter around in the Garden.

]]> By: Kathy Howard https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512942 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 01:06:57 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512942 I’m 72 and live alone. I don’t have to be productive or busy all day every day. Community is vital , friends , family, strangers, pets, birds, clouds, trees a breeze……
I play with painting rocks, water color painting, planning a sewing project or enjoying a movie. Encouraging a smile from someone by his smiling at them.
Joy is within not outside myself. Share Joy!!!!!!!recieve Joy

]]> By: Jim Slaughter https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512941 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 01:04:52 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512941 I’m picking up my guitar lessons I abandon some 40+ years ago.

]]> By: Janice https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512938 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:26:27 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512938 I watch reruns of The Carol Burnett show and SNL as well as
skits performed by Bill Hader, Martin Short and Dana Carvey.
Last night it was Will & Grace reruns. Also bird watching
and reading books I hate to see end. Laughter and
nature.

]]> By: Joanne Minuete https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512937 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:11:30 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512937 I’m not sure I need joy. But being around my family makes me happy. A piece of chocolate makes me feel good. Volunteering brought me a sense of accomplishment. I am very content with my life. BTW: You might have a physical therapy consult ordered by your doctor. I’ve had lumbar back pain for some years.
And have requested PT intermittently for past two years and the pain has decreased greatly. Sitting for long periods aggravates it. Ck.videos on Youtube for help with lumbar pain.

]]> By: Joanna Banks https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512935 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:58:46 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512935 Coffee Sunday every other Sunday with my BFF in my/our Zen/Den. I make the coffee. She either bakes something or picks up something from the bakery. Turn the lights on the Womanist tree which has ornaments only by Paula Whaley. In the fall and winter turn on the fireplace, coconut or lavender oil in the aromatherapy lamp, and ask Alexa to play instrumental jazz. A perfect couple of hours to begin the week no matter what’s ahead

]]> By: Harry Cohen https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512934 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:57:28 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512934 My dog, reading, exercising, sweets , music and my friends are all mood lifters for me.
Spending time in a bookstore is the ultimate!

]]> By: Susan Stevens https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512933 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:45:41 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512933 I am happiest when I have something to plan and look forward to. It can be something big…like a vacation….or as simple as a friend coming over for a meal. I like change; I like a project; I am not very happy when I am anticipating the same thing day after day. I do recognize that many, many people–my husband included, are perfectly happy with “nothing to do.” We are happy together, balancing the differences.

]]> By: Mary Claude https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512931 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:41:50 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512931 I 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.

]]> By: May https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512930 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:35:34 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512930 What works for me when I need a mood lift?
1) Taking a walk expecting to see someone or something interesting.
2) Looking at family pictures of happy times.
3) Looking for possible changes to come out of chaos.
4) Getting out of my thinking head and into my feeling heart.

]]> By: Laura https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512929 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:35:13 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512929 Explore a nearby park and sit on a bench and read, or look at flowers, trees, etc. Gardening is always one of my happy places. I also like to find new paths in the woods to walk on but easy and more flat. Explore your local library, Go to a local park you have never been to. Maybe look at older pictures that remind you of happy times.

]]> By: Vicki https://seniorplanet.org/articles-open-thread-makes-happy/#comment-512925 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:23:45 +0000 https://seniorplanet.org/?p=169828#comment-512925 A lovely cup of tea while watching the birds, losing myself in a good book, and creating. ( Anything creative: a drawing, a new recipe, a new “game” with my dog. ) Best of all: I start every day with a Far Side cartoon and funny animal videos.

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