Finding Balance and Joy

Monday, November 9, 2026

Visiting South Korea

Images: Gate1 Travel

Monday, November 2, 2026

Happiness Calendar: November-2026

Greetings all!

This November, try something new! I loved the ideas for November 9, 15, 17, and 30 – what about you?

November 1 – Make a list of new things you want to do this month.

November 2 – Respond to a difficult situation in a different way.

November 3 – Get outside and observe the changes in nature around you.

November 4 – Sign up to join a new course, activity or online community.

November 5 – Change your normal routine today and notice how you feel.

November 6 – Try out a new way to be active.

November 7 – Be creative. Cook, draw, write, paint, make or inspire.

November 8 – Plan a new activity or idea you want to try this week.

November 9 – When you feel you can’t do something, add the word “yet”.

November 10 – Be curious. Learn about a new topic or an inspiring idea.

November 11 – Choose a different route and see what you notice on the way.

November 12 – Find out something new about someone you care about.

November 13 – Do something playful outdoors – walk, run, explore, relax.

November 14 – Find a new way to help r support a cause to care about.

November 15 – Build on new ideas by thinking “Yes, and what if…”

November 16 – Look at life through someone else’s eyes and see their perspective.

November 17 – Try a new way to practice self-care and be kind to yourself.

November 18 – Connect with someone from a different generation.

November 19 – Broaden your perspective: read a different papers, magazine or site.

November 20 – Make a meal using a recipe or ingredient you’ve not tried before.

November 21 – Learn a new skill from a friend or share one of yours with them.

November 22 – Find a new way to tell someone you appreciate them.

November 23 – Set aside a regular time to pursue an activity you love.

November 24 – Share with a friend something helpful you learned recently.

November 25 – Use one of your strengths in a new or creative way.

November 26 – Try out a different radio station or new TV show.

November 27 – Join a friend doing their hobby and find out why they love it.

November 28 – Discover your artistic side. Design a friendly greeting card.

November 29 – Enjoy new music today. Play, sign, dance or listen.

November 30 – Look for new reasons to be hopeful, even in tough times.

What action for happiness resonates with you? Have a great week!

Sources:

Monday, October 26, 2026

Witch's Brew

Greetings all!

If you need to dust off your witch’s cauldron, here is a recipe that might work!

Recipe/image: https://www.totalwine.com/cocktail-recipes/witchs-brew

Ingredients

1 bottle Vodka
1 bottle sparkling cider
4 cups cranberry juice
1 bottle ginger ale (1L)
2 cups pineapple juice
Gummy worms to garnish

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a large punch bowl or witch’s cauldron. Stir.
Add ice. Garnish with gummy worms.

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!

Monday, October 19, 2026

Brain Foods

Greetings all!

I recently came across a fun acronym for 10 foods to boost the brain power. A nutritional psychiatrist and brain expert, Dr. Uma Naidoo of Harvard, recommends the following:

B: Berries and beans

R: Rainbow colors of fruits and vegetables

A: Antioxidants

I: Include lean proteins and plant-based proteins

N: Nuts

F: Fiber-rich foods and fermented foods

O: Oils

O: Omega-rich foods

D: Dairy

S: Spices

I was a bit disappointed to see that "I" did not correspond to ice cream but decided it falls under D=Dairy! And I strongly believe dark chocolate falls under "A"!

What did you think? Drop me a line!

Sources:

Monday, October 12, 2026

Does Your Birth Certificate Lie?

Greetings all!

Do you feel younger than your birth certificate’s age? Do you think you are in great shape? This 60-second wall sit test will reveal your fitness age.

How to do it:

Find a sturdy wall and stand with your back pressed against it.
Lower into a squat position until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and your thighs are parallel to the ground.
Keep your back flat against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart, and hands off your thighs (no cheating!).
Start the clock and hold the position for as long as possible—aim for at least 60 seconds.
Hold a 10-25 lb weight plate at chest level if you want an extra challenge.

What does it mean: