Bring on the happiness

Welcome to March! We made it through February with its cold, snowy and gray days.

We’ve made it to the Hebrew month of Adar, the month where we increase our joy. You are practically commanded to be happier.

We all need a little more happiness right now.

It seems harder than usual to up the happiness quotient. The world feels pretty chaotic. From bird flu to politics, there is a lot to cause anxiety.

News from our nation’s capital is coming fast and furious. Programs are being slashed, and tariffs have been deployed. How will this impact our lives? Meanwhile, Republicans and Democrats are having a tough time figuring out how to govern together. Friendships, business relationships and families are being torn apart by an increasingly polarized and unforgiving view of politics.

In Israel there is still concern about the remaining hostages and what will happen next with the ceasefire. What’s the future of Gaza and the West Bank? What will happen to the government? How will the conflicts ever be settled?

Here in Rhode Island, we’re wondering when the Washington Bridge will ever be rebuilt and what went so horribly wrong with the old one.

These are not easy times. We can still find happiness by focusing on the good things all around us and not anguish too much about what we can’t control. But how will you get to that happy place? Family? Travel? Household projects? Your career? Volunteering in your community? All of the above? Any activity like this will increase your joy and happiness.

One thing I am looking forward to is celebrating Purim. While the annual parade on the East Side is no longer, there are plenty of places to go to listen to the megillah and watch your friends and neighbors perform in a creative spiel. We even have some creative hamantaschen recipes that you might want to try (see page 8 – 9). Seeing the little ones dressed in costume always brings a smile to my face.

And spring is around the corner. Warmer weather. Flowers. Buds on the trees. Outdoor activities. More daylight for those walks in the park.

I feel happier already!

Fran Ostendorf,

Editor