2021, still in the grip of the pandemic, calls for a sense of calm and happiness. Maybe we can turn to Greek Mythology to help us.
In Greek mythology, Alkyone was the daughter of Aeolus, the wind god. When she learned that her husband had died at sea, she threw herself into the Mediterranean and was transformed into the beautiful bird called the kingfisher (so romantic!).
Aeolus calmed the sea for his daughter to hatch a brood of eggs on a floating nest.
We now use the phrase, halcyon days, to mean a time of calm and happiness.
In the turbulent days ahead as we change leaders, get vaccinated and remain socially distanced we will be seeking some halcyon days.
Ways to gain calm and happiness:
- Take a walk in nature – breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds, laugh at squirrel antics…you’ll be surprised how happy you’ll feel.
- Begin feeding birds at home, whether you hang feeders in your backyard or get the ones that suction cup to your windows. Birds can be fascinating to watch. Yellow finches, hummingbirds and woodpeckers are among my favorites.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
- Adopt a pet. There’s nothing like pet snuggles and animal antics to make you laugh and love.
- Read a romance novel with a Happily-Ever-After ending.
- Take a long, soaking bath. Add some bubbles or bath salts to soak those worries away.
- Get the whole family in on the happiness by playing a board game. The benefits will include family bonding, healthy competition and laughs among others. My memories include playing Monopoly, Scrabble, Pictionary, Trivia…
What would you add to this list?
What gives you calm and happiness?
Diane Dominik, Romantic Suspense 