Recently, a woman in her fifties asked her friend, a woman in her seventies, what she wished she would have done differently earlier in her life. "If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give her?" 
 
1. Make more and deeper friendships. Skip some of those social groups or committees that really just squander time, in order to strengthen the relationships that support and uplift you. Take time to affirm the good friends you have and seek out a few more who share your interests and outlooks.
 
2. Take care of skin, eyes and teeth! While we watch our weight or make time for gym workouts, we might forget the little things that make a big difference in our overall health. Sunscreen and sunglasses, daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist and eye doctor will pay off in later years.
 
3. Spend more time in nature. People often regret time in the office or workplace, but many seniors agree that they would have enjoyed more vacations, more walks outdoors and more time just enjoying fresh air and natural surroundings. We can't always afford a cruise or amusement park, but we can take a walk in the park or just survey the backyard.
 
4. Enjoy the moment. Looking backwards, few people think how slowly life went. Many will express the wish that they had enjoyed their childhood or health or family members or educational opportunities more. Each day we can decide to find something to enjoy, so that we needn't look back with regret when another year has passed.
 
Do the answers surprise you? Can you think of any other advice you would give your younger self? Feel free to pass it along to a younger friend.
 
Charlene Frazier 
Community Coordinator, Residence 600
600 E. Elm, Salina KS 67401
785-822-1300
[email protected]
 
 
 
 

Was there a real St. Valentine? Legends say he might have been a Roman priest in the third century, who performed secret marriages against the law. Unfortunately, those who have studied the matter say this tale is possibly just colorful imagination. St. Valentine's day wasn't associated with romantic love until it was popularized by Chaucer in the late Middle Ages.
 
How about Punxsutawney Phil? That's the Pennsylvania groundhog which is said to predict the weather.  This particular rodent (who probably has been a series of his species) has been consulted since 1886, but even before that, both Germanic and Celtic legends include stories of a hibernating animal's shadow foretelling of the length of winter. Sadly, Phil has only been right 39% of the time.
 
Was George Washington's birthday actually February 22, as we observed it in our school days? Yes and no. He was actually born under the old Julian Calendar on February 11, 1731. But when England changed to the newer Gregorian calendar, people were instructed to add eleven days to their birthdates. Furthermore, if they were born between January 1 and March 25, like Washington, they were to add an additional year! Our first President's birthday is now celebrated with others' on Presidents Day, which is Feb. 20 this year.
 
Is the Mardi Gras' carnival just a big party? Not originally. The word "carnival" comes from the Latin words for "taking away meat," which referred to the fasting done by Christians as the season of Lent began the day after Mardi Gras (or "Fat Tuesday"). Modern-day partying is done in anticipation of the weeks of reflection and being deprived.
 
True, partly true or just plain made-up, the myths of February provide us with some interesting and entertaining holidays. Celebrate!
 
Charlene Frazier 
Community Coordinator, Residence 600
600 E. Elm, Salina KS 67401
785-822-1300
[email protected]