Columns

The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu spent a week teaching me about life. What a joy! OK, they didn’t actually come to my house, but they had a week-long conversation that was recorded in a book, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, and as a video, Mission: Joy. The Archbishop and the Dalai Lama, in their 80s, talked about seeing life as it is, accepting the highs and the lows, being engaged with other people, and, most importantly, being empathic and supportive of others. [...]

I love my grey hair. I don’t worry about people saying that I look old. Instead, I enjoy the time recovered from hairdresser appointments. The world has told us that getting older is about decline, weakness, modesty, and withdrawal. Nope, getting older is whatever we want it to be, for as long as possible. I Have Choices! Today, seniors make more choices about activities and schedules. I Keep Doing! I know that continuing to be competent means that I continue to be independent, happy, and satisfied. [...]

A cup of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows, soft music in the background, and frost on the windows. Sounds like a Hallmark winter! But we need even more for a happy and healthy winter. As the temperatures fall, it’s important to be intentional about navigating the season. The same activities that make us smile can also protect our bodies and brains. [...]