I’ve been thinking about the word happy recently. It means different things to different folks, but it is a universal concept, and most people would say they want to be satisfied.

I consider myself happy most of the time. Some triggers drop me into a dark hole, but not often enough to cause complaining. I’ve overly tasked myself lately, and it occurred to me that I’ve had a consistently higher mood. It has to do with working and being busy—good busy. I’m seldom not busy, but it often entails mundane tasks such as keeping the house clean, pulling weeds, and blowing leaves off the patio. You get the picture.

What’s different? I’ve stretched and exercised both my brain and body more than usual. I’ve often written about the value of balance, and this is another example. We can physically achieve and overdo while our strategy and problem-solving skills hibernate. We can also mentally wear ourselves out while sitting in a recliner. Balance is, again, the key—it may be an untapped method of feeling fulfilled, satisfied, or happy: We must move and exercise, not just our bodies, not just our minds, but both.

In my younger years, I donned tennis shoes and ran eighteen miles a week on country roads with our dog, Buster. During those miles, my mind would plan the details of the day, work on parenting strategies, and review theories that could be helpful to students or clients. I solved problems with each stride. When I quit my positive running addiction because of my knees, I so missed the high of the combined mental and physical activity.

I’ve also unconsciously challenged my brain with figures, remembering what goes where and analyzing various situations. As for my body, I have been walking and working outside. It’s been a good balance of fulfillment and satisfaction—a large part of feeling up and cheery.

Maybe this topic also provides pause to build empathy for those around us who don’t have the physical or mental capacity to expand what they do and think. Many people are declining mentally, physically, or both. It is sad because they don’t have the same choices. Think about people with Alzheimer’s or dementia or those with back pain, knee surgery gone bad, or locked-up shoulders. Maintaining a level of happiness must be a challenge.

Writing this, I acknowledge how fortunate I am; hopefully, you are too. Functioning brain and body muscles is a gift, not a right.

May this topic also trigger your gratitude and nudge you to reach out to those who are hurting, confused, and dependent on others. Maybe this is a chance to offer some diversion, even if it’s just listening.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

Powered by WPeMatico