NIAGARA, Wis. — Our American culture prizes those individuals who are driven to excel and who succeed in building a life in which they “have it all.” They seem to live a charmed life: a solid career, standing within the community, a happy family, a lovely home, good health and money in the bank.

As we begin a new year, many of us will set goals and make resolutions designed to build such a life; to help us achieve the long-sought-after American dream. But what do we do when that dream eludes us? Can there still be happiness if we do not acquire all that we had hoped? When we fall short of our dreams, how do we adjust? Learning to develop a grateful attitude becomes very important so that we can find joy in the journey and satisfaction with the end result of all of our hard work.

I think that the goals most of us set for our own lives depends a lot on what our lives were like when we were kids. Did we come from a happy home environment with parents who got along with each other? How were we disciplined? What values were instilled in us by our parents? Did we come from wealth or more of a limited income? Often, we try to make up in our adult lives for what may have been lacking in our childhood.

Both my husband and I grew up in households in which our parents worked hard to provide for us. Most of the time, necessities were provided: food on the table, clothes on our backs, bills were paid, recreation was simple and cheap. After these priorities were covered, there really was nothing left over, and there was no margin for error in calculating that monthly budget. If something unexpected came up in one month, it had to be figured into next month’s bills. My husband’s family owned their home, and I always lived in a rented house. My father-in-law always did his own upkeep and repair work; even when he did not know exactly how to go about it, he figured it out. The idea of actually hiring someone to fix anything for him was a luxury he could not afford.

My husband and I began our life together in a tiny apartment that was filled with hand-me-down furniture from relative’s attics and garages. We were grateful to have them while looking forward to the day when our belongings were a reflection of our own taste and things actually matched. So, goal number one became to have a house furnished with items we had actually chosen for ourselves. Seven years later we had the house, and it would take many more years before the last of the hand-me-down furniture would be replaced. Our goal for our life together had been a modest one: jobs that we enjoyed that would pay us enough to cover living expenses with a little left over to manage the unexpected and to have some fun. We passed along the belief in education to our own sons that had been instilled in us. And I told both of them that their choice of a mate would be the most important decision they would ever make. Thankfully, they both listened, made good choices, and we have two amazing daughters-in-law.

Despite having had rather simple goals — the basics with a little left over — the journey through our life could not be described as easy. And, despite how it looks on the surface, I do not think that anyone’s journey is easy. We just see the results and have no idea what that person has gone through to attain the lifestyle that we all see. Nor do we know how that person answers the big question: Are you happy?

I read an article recently that discussed the importance of having a grateful attitude and of practicing grateful thinking. As we work throughout our lives to set and meet goals, we too often have a tendency to beat ourselves up for not reaching a specific milestone within the designated time frame. When we find ourselves disappointed in what we perceive as our inability to cross a self-imposed finish line, it is so very important to pause long enough to appreciate the distance we have already traveled. If we have shelter, food on the table, our health and someone to love and who loves us, we have more than many throughout our world.

Practicing grateful thinking helps us turn our attention away from negativity and towards what is working in our lives and how far we have come on our journey. This approach can lighten and brighten our outlook. Certainly, setting goals is natural and necessary. But balancing that striving with a healthy dose of gratitude for accomplishments already attained will help relieve the pressure of constant worry and effort.

We can develop our capacity for appreciation by taking a few moments each day to reflect upon all the good that is in our lives. Nothing is so small to be undeserving of our gratitude. My husband gives me a bit of a hard time sometimes for thanking him so often for the little things he does … and I do thank him a lot. We may be the same age, but we are aging differently. I have developed a lot of arthritis and so appreciate it when he does a physical household task for which I do not have to struggle. He may not always remember certain things that have to be done, so I am sure he is grateful for the many reminders I give him — in my most pleasantly patient voice — but never so many as to be described as nagging.

Consider these quotes regarding the importance of having a grateful attitude.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” — Melody Beattie

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” — Eckhart Tolle

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson

“I know for sure that appreciating whatever shows up for you in life changes your personal vibration. You radiate and generate more goodness for yourself when you’re aware of all you have and are not focusing on your have-nots.” — Oprah Winfrey

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.”— Henry David Thoreau

So, as you ponder your goals for this upcoming new year, be sure to add in a thought or two about being thankful for having fulfilled so many of your dreams already … or for getting “nearly” finished with that building project … for being able to love and to accept love in return … and most definitely for being alive for another year on this earth. Count your blessings.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Dining room fun, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; Pastor Sam, 10:45 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Hair, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; craft/art, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; dining trivia, 11:45 a.m.; craft/art, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Lotion spa hour, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice; color a nice picture, 1 p.m.; CNBC “Undercover Boss,” 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; storytelling, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 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, 2:30 p.m.; cocoa and cookies, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Amasa senior center, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/smart shoppers, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

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

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

Saturday: ICMCF word search/hangman, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Chinese bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafters corner, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; resolutions, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pass it, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; hangman, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are encouraged to join in activities.

Sunday: Tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; western movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; target practice, 10 a.m.; snow ball fight, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; basketball, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Hot cocoa/Skip-Bo, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/“Price Is Right,” 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Music and memory, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Magazine scavenger hunt, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise/dancing, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; group puzzle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Communion, 10 a.m.; popcorn and movie, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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.; crossword and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

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

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and 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; church service, 10 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11:15 a.m.; movie, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 1:30 p.m.; sensory group, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Hangman, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; short stories, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; happy hour with the Celtic band, 2 p.m.; balloon toss, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; tea social, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; coffee and jokes, 11:15 a.m.; lunch outing, 11:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; dice, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kickball, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 415 Main St. is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Deluxe chicken sandwich (cheese, lettuce, tomato), confetti beans, coleslaw.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O cup with fruit.

Thursday: Beef burrito (wet), Spanish rice, refried beans.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Cheeseburger, potato salad, baked beans.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, fried potatoes, broccoli.

Wednesday: Liver or chicken breast, parsley potatoes, California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork, white rice, Oriental vegetables.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken parmesan over spaghetti pasta, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chili mac, homemade cornbread.

Wednesday: Pulled pork sandwich, oven-browned potatoes.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, carrots, dinner roll, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Sausage pizza, garlic breadstick with dipping sauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Ham and potato soup, coleslaw, biscuit, pudding cup.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, roasted parsley potatoes, buttered corn.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

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

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, carrots, dinner roll, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Sausage pizza, garlic breadstick with dipping sauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Ham and potato soup, coleslaw, biscuit, pudding cup.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, roasted parsley potatoes, buttered corn.

Friday: Pancakes, sausage, oatmeal, orange juice.

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

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes’ Art Club, noon to 4 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.

Friday: Cards, smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Dine-in eating available — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry, fried rice, broccoli, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham and Swiss cheese sliders, three bean salad.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, carrots, dinner roll, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Sausage pizza, garlic breadstick with dipping sauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Ham and potato soup, coleslaw, biscuit, pudding cup.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joes, macaroni and cheese, baked potato wedges, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken Caesar salad, whole wheat dinner rolls, applesauce.

Wednesday: Pizza casserole, dark green salad, garlic bread, fruit, pineapple spice cake.

Thursday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit.

Friday: Taco tater tot casserole with lettuce and tomato, sweet potato puffs, fruit.

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

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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: Barbecue pulled pork sandwich, vegetable, oven potatoes, pears.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, seven-way mixed vegetables, peach cobbler, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes, beets, peas and carrots, fruit cup.

Thursday: Cream of broccoli soup, meat sandwich, whole wheat bread, cucumber salad, fruit cup.

Friday: Chicken breast with gravy, parmesan potatoes, broccoli, pineapple, whole wheat bread.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Caesar salad, cottage cheese, pineapple.

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, green beans, garlic toast.

Wednesday: Italian sub sandwich, pasta salad, potato chips, fruit cup.

Thursday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cauliflower, dinner roll.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

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

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, baked beans, chips, fruit salad.

Wednesday: Barbecue chicken breast, wild rice, broccoli, brownie.

Thursday: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dinner roll, dessert.

Bingo will be played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski 

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken bacon Alfredo, garlic bread, vegetables.

Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole, vegetables.

Wednesday: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables.

Thursday: Italian sausage roll-up, breadstick, vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Board meeting 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 eating available – call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken sandwich, confetti beans, coleslaw.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O cup with fruit.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, side salad, garlic breadstick.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, carrots, dinner roll, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Sausage pizza, garlic breadstick with dipping sauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Ham and potato soup, coleslaw, biscuit, pudding cup.