LeNie Adolphson
In a world of controversial issues and problems, it's difficult for me to resist the urge to respond to all of the problems of the day. However, I decided for this column only, I will not discuss the issues that are so very troubling to me, and leave them for another day.
Instead, I proclaim and declare this my "feel-good column for the summer," and despite all the problems in the country, there is a lot to feel good about - believe it or not. I feel good about my wonderful grandsons being here for six weeks and enjoying their innocence and constant curiosity about everything. I feel good about visiting the St. Louis Zoo, which is a wonderful place.
I encourage everyone to feel good about life and all of its wonders. Feel good about the beautiful days of summer. It doesn't last long, so go to the beach, go to a picnic with your sweetheart and take your kids fishing. Go watch a softball game and cheer loud. Take a trip around Southern Illinois and you'll find there are some quaint little towns here. Get out and enjoy the people of this region. Feel good and go to the Sunset Concerts and enjoy your wine; visit friends and take the long way home; support Amtrak and take a trip to Chicago; go to a jazz club and dinner. Enjoy and feel good about the Fourth of July; go watch the fireworks and bathe yourself in a sea of joy.
Make a new friend this summer, preferably someone who is different from you so you can expose yourself to more diversity. It's not too late to take a class, even if it's not for credit, just to enjoy the divine power of learning something new. Feel good about helping others; volunteer at a hospital or nursing home. Be a mentor; volunteer at a summer program and read to children. Above all, when you do it, make sure you are having fun and feeling good.
Be good to yourself and don't wait until New Year's Day to start resolutions. Quit smoking; go to the Recreation Center and exercise; sign up for a class at the Recreation Center; there are plenty of classes offered. Feel good about making yourself a better person. In closing, in order to feel really good, think about the top 10 things in life.
Obviously, it's different for everyone, but I have done a small unscientific survey, and the general consensus is that the top 10 things to feel good about are: falling in love, holding your baby for the first time, graduating from college, receiving your first car, long summer days that go on forever, vacationing in Jamaica, pay raises, winning the lottery, interacting with your family and long, intense massages.
Feel good this summer. Life is not always easy, and there are tragedies and injustice permeating everywhere. But there are also magnificent, joyous wonders to experience. Therefore, get out and enjoy them. More than anything, feel good about enjoying life.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
