I do three simple things at once that always make me feel happier, healthier and more connected with my neighbors.
The first is recommended by almost every expert in healthcare. I go for a walk – for me, it’s down Franktown Road in Washoe Valley. My physical condition limits the length and the speed of my walk, but that’s okay. The key is to get out the door and put one foot in front of the other.
The second thing I do is bounce a red Kong ball – the round, bouncy version of the famous dog toy. It’s a great ball I can bounce from one hand to the other with each step. I have also developed several sophisticated bounce patterns which take special skill and practice – and often force me to retrieve the Kong ball from the side of the road.
The third thing is the most important. As cars go by, I smile and wave at the drivers. My rough study indicates nearly 80 percent of the drivers smile and wave back. The other 20 percent are having a bad day.
A happy and healthy life can be a ball.