From the Diaspora…HOW TO LIVE LONGER AND HAPPIER IN THE NEW YEAR

Jan 06, 2013 News

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By Ralph Seeram

On the stroke of midnight on Old Year’s Night I was on my computer in bed, I refused to turn on the TV to the view the celebrations welcoming the New Year. It was as if I was in some sort of denial that a new year has dawned on us. That is unlike me, it is a departure of how I traditionally spend Old Years Night.
I always had to go out to a party and made sure I only return home at daylight. Sometimes your host insists you don’t leave, I recall one party where the host “closed her doors” to prevent her guests from leaving before daylight.
So why was I in bed and refused to see the dawn of a new year? I tried to reflect on reasons, and tried to make sense of it. I realize as one gets older one’s perspectives and priority in life change.
I looked up on contacts on my phone to call at midnight and realized there are a few who cannot accept calls where they are. They have moved on beyond this world. That was a troubling; you never know if you or your loved ones or friends will be around to celebrate another new year. I made it a point years ago not to have enemies, or hold grudges against anyone. If I have a disagreement with anyone, I always make sure it ends on a pleasant note.
Too often we engage in “I don’t talk to him/her anymore” and hold grudges. I know of many cases where people were not on speaking terms but ended up crying uncontrollably over the person’s coffin. I can tell you of a particular case where many children were not speaking to their mother, but ended up crying hysterically when she was about to be buried.
It is something we should all think about; it’s no point crying over the dead body. Wouldn’t it been better if they had made peace before the person became deceased? So my reluctance to greet the new year was not so much of the challenges the new year would present, but to live a fruitful life that would be beneficial not only to myself, but to my relatives and friends in the New Year.
My goal this year is to do the things I want to do. I am a great procrastinator, and I aim to change that this year. I am going to do the things I have been postponing, through the years. Travelling is high on the list. I am going to live life for today, not tomorrow; tomorrow never comes.
Too often we get caught up in the accumulation of material things and money, completely forgetting what life is all about. On Christmas Day some friends of my daughter were viewing a montage of pictures taken from previous trips to Guyana. One picture caught their attention. It was a picture of three young boys no more than seven or eight years old holding a fish they had caught.
It was a cat fish about two to three feet. They went to the koker aback of Smythfield in New Amsterdam fishing. What caught the guest’s attention was the clothing. Their clothes were tattered and clearly not their size. One of the boy’s entire clothing consists of a woman’s blouse. That they were from a poor family was no question, but the radiant smiles told how happy they were; poor but happy.
That simple photograph became the topic of conversation on Christmas Day. My daughter’s guests became reflective of their life and what we should all be thankful for. That simple picture became a reference point for them to wonder what life is all about. Is it about happiness or wealth?
I recently came upon an article in an AARP magazine on ten tips or resolutions for a healthy life. What was surprising was none of it included drugs or medicine. Guess what the first tip was? Throw a party, maybe not literally but to keep social connections with friends, family, neighbours or colleagues. Yes social ties can make you live happier and live longer.
The next tip did not surprise me; adopt a pet, and we are not talking here of how some people in Guyana treat dogs and cats. According to the article, people who own pets have healthier hearts and pay fewer visits to the doctor; they have lower blood pressure, and especially with dogs they help provide exercise.
When I come home the first person that greets me is the love of my life, my cat Chelsea. If I am stressed or in a bad mood, as soon as I lift her up, cuddle her and have a few kisses I melt like ice cream in  hot sun. She has a calming effect.
Pets are now taken to senior citizens’ homes as part of a therapy for senior folks.
The rest of health tips may be surprising. Those of you who love chocolate should not feel guilty anymore; it’s good for the heart and helps lower blood pressure. And I may add that a cup of cocoa does the same.
While I keep away from caffeine it says that coffee has some medical benefits; so too does a glass of red or white wine or a bottle of beer daily. I am sure the next recommendation will surprise no one. Sex; sex among other things relieves stress and depression. It releases endorphin that reduces anxiety.
Others on the list include listening to your favourite music, take a mid afternoon nap, enjoy the outdoors like fishing, cycling going to the park, anything that keeps you in touch with nature, and keep you away from too much household chemicals.
The article concludes with the ultimate suggestion, “spending time doing exactly what you want”.
Ralph Seeram can be reached at email: [email protected]

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