March Insights - Motivation, Birds, Naps, and More

This time of year is definitely one that finds us lacking when it comes to motivation. There is a heaviness to our lives, as we face cold temperatures, snow and ice, and not being as physically and mentally active as we might like. And of course we are still in the midst of a pandemic, which includes additional limitations in our daily lives. 

So how do we stir up the motivation needed to tick off items on our to-do list, achieve the goals we have set for ourselves, keep ourselves healthy so we can enjoy the activities and outings we hope take place later this year, and, for some of us, just get through each day?

The first step is to check our attitude. This is something over which we have considerable control and a change in our attitude can literally change our day. Our attitude also impacts those around us, changing their day as well. The question about whether our glass is half full or half empty may seem silly, but the way we look at things can dictate how things might go. Of course there are moments and days where even the most positive person will struggle with maintaining a positive attitude, but that should not keep us from trying.

Your Council team is honored to spend our time interacting with seniors and caregivers from all over the County. We continue to be humbled and amazed by the positive

attitude so many of these individuals have, despite what we might consider significant challenges. Without question, we are all better for just knowing them.

Another step is to be realistic with ourselves and our loved ones. It is much easier to find motivation for something that is within our reach, especially if we have tied a short-term timeframe to it. 

We might also seek out someone to help with our motivation. Having a cheerleader and someone to encourage us can make all the difference in the world. We also need to be our own cheerleader. We should be proud of moving forward with what we are doing, and in many situations, be proud that we have not backtracked, which may actually be our goal.

During the pandemic, many of us have found motivation in the hope that we will soon be able to spend time with friends and family, outside of our phones and computers. We continue to be motivated and inspired by those around us. And for sure, we are motivated by the knowledge that these cold and gray days will soon be replaced by warmth and sunshine.

The March Legal Chat, Tips for Working Virtually with Professionals, will be held via video chat on Thursday, March 18th at 2:30 pm.

Local attorney Dave Cusack will discuss how virtual meetings and appointments are set up and handled between a senior and his/her attorney, physician, financial planner, and so on. He will share some cautions in addition to tips. If you would like to be added to the Legal Chat e-mail list, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our April Drive-By Shredding Event will be a great way to clean up old documents and records that you no longer need. Old medical and insurance papers, bank statements—anything with confidential information will be safely shredded.

This is also an opportunity to see some smiling faces you may not have seen for a long time. Many Council members and volunteers will be there to help and be glad to see you.

So spend some time in the gloomy late winter to gather your boxes of paper, then drive to the large parking lot area at Xenia Community Center, 1265 W. Second St (next to the Council's office), on Saturday, April 10th, from 9am to noon.

Many of us feed our backyard birds in the winter when wild foods are in short supply. Birdseed, suet, fruit and nectar in feeders can benefit our feathered friends, while also providing us with pleasure. While bird feeders supplement scarce food in winter, the feeder can also attract additional species during spring and fall migrations.

The most common birds we see locally in winter are the Northern Cardinal (Ohio's state bird), Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, nuthatch, dove, sparrow, titmouse, starling, crow, and goldfinch.

Visit audubon.org to get started feeding birds this winter.

March 15th, 2021 is National Napping Day. Winter in Ohio can often be cold and gray, and the idea of a nap sounds appealing. Naps can also be good for you!

A recent study in General Psychology reveals that people who take an afternoon nap increase their mental agility by increasing locational awareness, verbal skills, and memory. Study participants who got an average of six and a half hours of sleep per night often took an afternoon nap. The Mayo Clinic recommends short naps, to avoid grogginess.

One third of adults take naps. Some famous nappers were Thomas Edison, John F Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and Albert Einstein. So if you are yawning after lunch, grab that afghan and stretch out for a nap.

I don't feel old. I don't feel anything till noon. That's when it's time for my nap.
— Bob Hope

When the going gets tough, the tough take a nap. — Tom Hodgkinson

Wednesday, March 17th is St Patrick's Day. Shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold are some familiar images for the day, not to mention green beer.

Why is luck associated with this day? The phrase "the luck of the Irish" came about during the gold rush of the 1800's, when a high number of Irish immigrants found gold and silver.

Finding a 4-leaf clover is very lucky: there are as few as one in 10,000!

Leprechauns of Irish folklore are cranky fairies who delight in mischief and trickery to guard their treasure. If you are lucky enough to catch a leprechaun, he must grant three wishes.

Chicago's tradition of dying the river green started in 1962. Savannah, Georgia started their St Patrick's Day parade in 1813.

In 2019, 32 million US residents claimed Irish ancestry, about 9.7% of the population, but on St Patrick's day, aren't we all Irish?

Valentine Basket
Winner

Last year was a disappointing year in many respects, but we were able to hold the SeniorPalooza in a very different format. We are building on last year’s virtual event and planning something even better for 2021.

Mark your calendars for the weeks of May 10th and May 17th. We are preparing a variety of online, mailed and limited in-person activities to go with our “Going the Distance” theme. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months and if you would like to receive the SeniorPalooza packet at the end of April, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give us a call.

Thank you to the individuals and organizations who shared a financial gift with the Council in 2020. These gifts came in all sizes, with many designated for special projects, specific programs, or for the Council’s endowment account for future programs and services.

Our volunteers are some of the best people we know. They step up when needed, and even during 2020 when everything was different, our volunteers came through.

For a list of donors of time or talent in 2020, click here.

“None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone’s help is a big part of understanding the importance of saying thank you.”

– Harvey Mackay

Additional Online programming is being added to the 2021 calendar. To ensure you receive information and alerts, sign up for our Special Events and Education newsletters, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

◊ Weekly Programming with our Partners at Real Roots Radio, WBZI FM 100.3:
Boomers and Beyond on Wednesdays around 12:05pm
Partners in Caregiving on Thursdays soon after 6:00pm

◊ Online Caregiver & Kinship Support Groups ~ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information

◊ Questions or to request grab bars, masks or other services ~ 937-376-5486 or yThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

◊ Drive-By Shredding Event ~ Saturday, April 10th, 9am-12pm, 1265 W Second St, Xenia

◊ Regular Updates and Information Posts on the Council’s Facebook Page and website

Please continue to be on alert regarding the various COVID-19 scams.
For more COVID-19 information, please go to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ 
or coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home