Be happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise in 2017

Originally published December 29, 2016

Happy

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” – Dalai Lama

While this time of year can become a little “blue” for many, as of the Winter Solstice, which was Dec. 21, the days are getting longer. Some celebrations are hosted during this time of year in an effort to raise our spirits. As we are gaining minutes of daylight each day, try to embrace natural light, when it is available. Outdoor adventures (or simply walking the dog) will give you a nice dose of vitamin D, which is up for debate whether adequate amounts of vitamin D can be processed from the sun; and more studies are being conducted as to the effect vitamin D has on mood.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has a number of outdoor events that may bring some outdoor adventure into your life. As stated on their website, “If you love bird-watching in the spring, summer and fall, don’t stop during winter because there is a whole host of avian characters to observe in the colder months.” A number of birds migrate to the Will County area for the winter.

Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 Dutton Road, Beecher (Crete Township) will be hosting a “Morning Bird Hike” from 8-10 a.m. Jan. 21; and a “Night Hike: Owls” from 3:30-6 p.m. Jan. 28. For registration deadlines and more information about these programs and others, visit www.ReconnectWithNature.org

Healthy

“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.” – Hippocrates

The beginning of the year seems to motivate us to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Sadly, many of us abandon our lofty goals just weeks after we begin. Instead of making exercise a chore, perhaps incorporating fun and healthy lifestyle changes or routines, you will enjoy your new healthy lifestyle.

The village of Orland Park provides many opportunities to add some fun, physical exercise in to your day. Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, 15600 West Ave., is an outdoor ice rink complete with a warming house, ice skate rentals, and free helmet rentals. If you are not a fan of the cold weather, head indoors to “The Rock” climbing wall at the Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th Street. This towering, 32-foot tall climbing structure features eight ropes, six leads and two auto belays. Consider getting a group together for a group climb, available during certain hours.

Wealthy

“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” – Plato

The turn of the calendar provides a clean slate. This is a good time to take stock of your expenses. Take some time to renegotiate contracts (insurance, utility, etc.); review recurring expenses; and re-evaluate conveniences that you may not be fully utilizing. Is your cable bill skyrocketing, but you aren’t viewing many of your channels? Consider only subscribing to the channels you truly enjoy. A few dollars of savings in a certain areas per month can add up to huge savings at the end of the year.

fter getting your expenses in line, a clean slate can also mean a clean house. If you have a stockpile of items you are not using, or would be able to find a new home, consider selling them online. Use caution when listing on Craigslist or other online sales sites. Remember, you may use the lobby of the Orland Park Police Station, 15100 S. Ravinia Ave., to safely conduct transactions.

Wise

“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” – Benjamin Franklin

Orland Township Senior Services department offers Dakim BrainFitness classes, which feature clinically tested brain fitness software designed specifically for adults over the age of 60. By participating for only 20 minutes per day, these free, fun, and engaging brain exercises may help improve focus, memory, and concentration, while also fighting the threat of cognitive decline. Classes are held from 9 to 9:30 a.m. or 9:45 until 10:15 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at the Orland Township Technology Center, 14807 S. Ravinia.

The Orland Township Technology Center also offers various basic computer classes – setting up a Facebook account, Microsoft basics, and navigating the internet – to name a few. Call (708) 403-4222 for information on class dates and times.

The Village of Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department is offering an Adult Spanish class beginning in January. This small, relaxed, tailored class will teach conversation basics, grammar, and phonetics. Consider registering and then planning your next adventure! Visit https://www.orland-park.il.us/index.aspx?NID=1587 or call (708) 403-7275 for classes, information, registration, or questions about Village of Orland Park Programs

Begin this year with a renewed effort to be happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise!