REMEMBERING THE BEST
Cherishing Happy Memories Can Make Life Better
It is often said that happiness comes from within. In recognition of Jan. 19 as Good Memory Day, this is an ideal opportunity to think about how we can use positive memories to cultivate contentment throughout our lives and enrich our later years. Research shows that people who make a habit of focusing on positive moments, present and past, tend to live longer and enjoy greater happiness. While it is true that the biggest contributors to life satisfaction are genetics and life circumstances, fully 40% of our inner climate is a direct result of our own intentional activity, according to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of “The How of Happiness.” She recommends several “happiness strategies” to improve our day-to-day life satisfaction, and memories play a significant role in several of them especially as we age. Here’s a sampling. REPLAY AND SAVOR LIFE’S JOYS. Paying close attention to the things that give us joy and remembering the momentary pleasures
and wonders of the past can enhance happiness, Lyubomirsky says. We can set the stage for this kind of mental activity through writing, drawing, storytelling, or reviewing past photos and sharing these remembrances with others. These small acts of reflection can brighten everyday moments and foster a sense of purpose. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ENGAGING TASKS. Lose yourself in experiences that challenge and absorb you, Lyubomirsky says. For some people,
this can include scrapbooking or creating digital albums of photos or mementos of times past. These activities can unlock another happiness strategy: counting your blessings. Revisiting good memories in writing or images can amplify their mood-elevating effects. NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS. Having high-quality friendships is also linked to life satisfaction, and this connection grows stronger as we grow older, research shows. We can draw upon shared memories to strengthen our bonds with others. Reminiscing about times past can serve as a pleasant focal point for calls, letters, and get-togethers. Here is a bonus: Cultivating and making the most of positive memories can also support emotional well-being and help us enjoy later years fully. By cherishing and sharing our positive memories, we not only enrich our own lives but also leave a lasting legacy of joy and connection for those we love.
KOREAN GROUND BEEF
INGREDIENTS
Sauce •
Stir Fry •
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp honey, or a liquid sugar- free sweetener
2 tbsp avocado oil
•
• • •
1 lb lean ground beef, 85/15 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, minced
• •
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Finishing Touches •
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
•
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as you cook, about 5 minutes. 3. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 4. Stir sauce into the beef, then cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce thickens. 5. Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve over white rice (if desired).
SOLUTION ON PAGE 2
HOW MUCH DO RAINBOWS WEIGH? NOT MUCH. THEY'RE ACTUALLY PRETTY LIGHT.
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