“Don’t try to be young. Just open your mind. Stay interested in stuff. There are so many things I won’t live long enough to find out about, but I’m still curious about them. You know people who are already saying, ‘I’m going to be 30 – oh, what am I going to do?’ Well, use that decade! Use them all!”

– Betty White

I don’t know about you, but I grew up watching Golden Girl reruns. I personally loved Dorothy, but there was something so special about Rose. After her passing, seeing all the special tributes and quotes I felt inclined to think about how it would feel to be 99! How extraordinary would it be to be in good health and good spirits all the way until the end? After reading many quotes, I felt this one to be the most fitting for how to get there: plain and simple STAY curious and LAUGH. 

We are already so STRONG, so CAPABLE and so WILLING to do great things. It all starts with our health and wellness. A healthy mind and body are the starting points for an overall happy life. 

5 Ways to Stay Curious and Laugh in 2022

It starts with being more PRESENT. When it’s time to work, set your distractions aside. When it’s time to play, set down the smart phone and engage in your adventure. When we are fully present, we can make sure to get in our laughing quota!

Movement is KEY. I know, easier said than done, but set aside 20 minutes a day initially to take a walk, stretch in the morning/evening, or find an accountability buddy to keep you on track. Our body craves movement. We have so much more time in our day than we realize. Just think of all those times you pick up your phone to scroll. What if instead, you took a stroll?

Our body yearns for endorphins. You know that feeling when you do something kind for someone else? Yes, those are endorphins! Look at your surroundings – can you hold the door just an extra minute? Could you bring someone who is going through a hard time a surprise treat? Could you volunteer in your local community? There is always a way to give back – you just need to look. 

Don’t wait for the right time to learn a new skill. Stay curious, stay active and strive for more. We can all become complacent in the workplace or at home. If you are feeling stagnant at work, there might be room for advancement. If you are feeling sluggish at home, tweak your nightly routine. Take a walk, go to the park, or have a family game-night. If you personally feel like you need a new hobby, investigate sewing, frisbee golf, or a weekly bible study through your church community.

Lastly, we all thrive with intentional interaction. After the last few years, it may seem easier to isolate and scroll through the reels of our feeds to feel connection. That is very isolating and gets us caught up in comparison. Instead aim to find genuine connections with people that serve you and align with your values. We are all busy creatures but carve out time for date-night with your loved one. Meet up for lunch with an old neighbor or grab coffee with a colleague.

This is YOUR year, but you know what? All the YEARS have been yours too! You must claim them. As Betty White would say, “Use this decade, use them all!”  

Written by: Valerie Sink