NIAGARA, Wis. — You may recognize the question asked in today’s headline as the one whose answer indicates whether you are an optimist or pessimist.

Humans are complex creatures so most of us are a blend; we have our good days when we can be an optimist and cloudier days when we feel more pessimistic. Given the times in which we currently find ourselves, I believe it is more of a challenge to be optimistic so I thought it would be helpful to take a look at how to regain the optimism we may have lost.

Very early in our marriage — in year three to be exact — my husband suggested I really needed to “work on being more optimistic.” I disagreed as I believed myself to be a realist, not a pessimist. I saw life’s challenges as they truly existed — neither optimistically rosy nor pessimistically bleak. Life was a challenge that required discipline and hard work to manage. Then he hit me with one of his classic one-liners that I will never forget: “Well, if you go through life with your head in the toilet, all you are going to see is sh–.” Whoa! Maybe I needed to adjust my mindset a bit. And, over the years, I have managed to do that.

Behavioral scientist and psychologist, Deepika Copra comments in her book “The Power of Real Optimism” that it is easy to be optimistic when everything in your life is going as planned and running smoothly. But on the days when life falls apart or future goals seem unattainable, it is hard to find that silver lining. Eons ago, the evolutionary purpose of pessimism was to help humans survive by constantly imagining the worst-case scenarios. Chopra explains that optimism can be more helpful in solving problems in our modern world and can be attained even in the bleakest of hours

Chopra explains in her book that “Optimism is what we need to stay engaged and keep deeply caring,” especially during hard times, she says. It keeps us “deeply rooted in reality, but at the same time, holds space for hope.” She also explains that we can actually train ourselves to be more optimistic when she states, “Optimism is a muscle. We just have to work it out.”

Chopra describes three exercises we can practice daily to bring more optimism into our lives. First, make a daily “ta-da” list as an extension of our “to-do” list. This exercise is based upon the fact that if we believe in ourselves, it’s easier to imagine greater success in our future. So, as we accomplish things throughout our day, write them down — no matter how small the task, it is positive reinforcement. We are reminding ourselves over and over that we are capable people. That list of accomplishments should include all of the items crossed off the “to do” list. Chopra states that the list is effective because it reminds us of all of the things we do to make our lives better, and we draw strength from these accomplishments which in turn helps us to build a more optimistic outlook.

The second exercise is to schedule worry time into each day. Because the human brain is future oriented, we tend to concern ourselves a lot with what “might happen.” Hence, the worry builds up to uncomfortable levels in our daily lives as we focus on all of those bad possibilities, not leaving room for the good. Scheduling a set time to worry each day prevents us from continually focusing on negativity all day long.

This approach is used a lot in clinical psychology and helps us get comfortable with uncertainty so we can focus on solutions. Find 15 minutes when you have energy and won’t be distracted. Pick a place to worry that you don’t normally associate with relaxation, like an office or a coffee shop — not your bedroom. Throughout the day, jot down any worries that are bothering you, particularly the ones that keep popping up. Then, use your designated worry time to go down the list and ask yourself if you can control or change the worry.

If you can’t, ask yourself if you can let the worry go. This approach is an important part of optimism because it allows you to feel like you have some ability to take action for a better future.

The third exercise is to practice daily affirmations using the 7/10 rule. Psychology has shown us that affirmations have a measurable positive effect on stress levels and optimism.

Generally, the idea is that if you feel more positively about yourself, you’re able to see yourself as a better person with a better future. More specifically, the affirmations you choose need to be things you actually believe you have accomplished or have become. Otherwise, you set yourself up for failure and end up feeling worse about yourself and your abilities.

Follow the “7/10 rule.” Choose a statement you’re at least 70% confident about, not something you believe in only 10% or 30% of the time. Then work up to the idea you hope to believe.

Chopra explains, “For example, maybe you got your dream job but are struggling with impostor syndrome. Rather than saying an affirmation like, ‘I am the very best in my field,’ you might start with an affirmation you can fully get behind, like: ‘I’m a hard worker who adds value to my team.'” Repeat your positive affirmations daily so your brain begins to seek out the behavior you claim to possess. Eventually, seven out of 10 times will become 10 out of 10 times, and that positive affirmation has become ingrained into your personality.

One of the hurdles I needed to clear as I was trying to change my thinking was the feeling that I was kidding myself. After all, a rotten apple is a rotten apple, no matter how often I tell myself that it is still good to eat. This is true.

Not everything in life can be viewed a different way — sometimes things are just bad. As we come up against those situations, we need to be able to admit to ourselves that there is nothing we have within our power that can change that situation, or person, or event. It is what it is. Then the next step is to let it go, and move on. Do not continue to waste your time and energy trying to change something that cannot be changed or someone who doesn’t want to be changed. Life is short, and you have better things to do with the time you have left.

Hopefully, reading this column today has helped you over a hurdle in your life or has helped you help someone else over theirs. We all have a limited amount of time in the world so we need to make the most of it … and feel good about ourselves while we are here.

Source: NPR – Life Kit

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: “The Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Cooking group, 10:30 a.m.; early bird bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Church with Pastor Dan, 10 a.m.; shut the box, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; learning macrame, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Workout to “Eye of the Tiger,” 10 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; Easter trivia, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bunny bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; jokes and cocoa, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Garden Club/coffee social, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; current events, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; cooking club, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/Pictionary, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Go Fish” card game and coloring, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Twinkie Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; social hour, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9; Hope Church, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; magazines, 10 a.m.; room visits/leisure cart, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; social hour, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Uno card game, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are encouraged to join in activities.

Sunday: Coffee and spelling bee, 10 a.m.; individual communion, 12:30 p.m.; Easter prize bingo, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 p.m.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; catch a phrase, 10 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; hangman, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; short stories, 10 a.m.; silly crafters, making yarn flowers, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Hedbanz, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; who’s who in the Easter story, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; food talk and resident council, 10:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/joke of the day, 10:30 a.m.; Kerplunk, 2 p.m.; pondering prompts, 4 p.m.; drama club; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; drama club, daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kickball, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Sunday: Special Easter buffet from noon to 2 p.m., $15.

Tuesday: Chili, grilled cheese sandwich, cole slaw.

Wednesday: Chicken stir fry on rice, breadstick, salad.

Thursday: French toast bake, sausage links, cheesy hash browns.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, corn, biscuit, pudding.

Tuesday: French onion pork chops, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, carrots, dinner roll.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic bread.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheesy baked cod, baby red potatoes, cole slaw.

Tuesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Wednesday: Breakfast for dinner – biscuits and gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecued chicken legs, rice pilaf, broccoli, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Chicken Florentine, buttered pasta, carrots.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, biscuit, apple crisp.

Thursday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, baked fries, green beans.

Friday: Tortellini with meat sauce, Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Biscuits and gravy, hashbrowns.

Tuesday: Deep-fried fish, tater tots.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli, meatballs, garlic bread.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chop suey over rice, Oriental vegetables, spinach salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Soft shell tacos (taco meat, romaine, tomato, onion, black olives, cheese, sour cream), refried beans, tropical fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan with spaghetti, orange-cranberry spinach salad, breadsticks, applesauce salad.

Thursday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, broccoli, fruit, brownies.

Friday: Brat on a bun, coleslaw, potato salad, fruit.

All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site at 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261. Note: Florence Center will be closed Tuesday for spring elections.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals on Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Mushroom and Swiss burger, whole wheat hamburger bun, root vegetable blend, sliced carrots, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday: Stuffed cabbage in red sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable, diced peaches, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Apple glazed pork chops, boiled red potatoes, peas, applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli Florentine, Italian vegetables, side salad with cheese and tomatoes, whole wheat breadstick, warm fruit compote.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue chicken legs, rice pilaf, broccoli, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Chicken Florentine, buttered pasta, carrots.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, biscuit, apple crisp.

Thursday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, baked fries, green beans.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, wheat dinner roll, fruit juice.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo linguine, broccoli, black beans with corn, blueberry bars.

Thursday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, parsley potatoes, butternut squash, wheat bread.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

Tuesday: Bratwurst and sauerkraut, oven-roasted potatoes, wax beans.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas.

Thursday: Pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes and gravy, Brussel sprouts .

Birthdays and bingo on Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. All are welcome, at any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Grilled ham and cheese, tomato soup, cole slaw.

Wednesday: Chili, macaroni salad, cornbread.

Thursday: Chicken bacon ranch wrap, french fries.