Opinion

In these days of stress and strife, there are many things that people disagree on, but there is one thing we all agree on, and that is we all want to be happy. Even the grumpiest of people long to feel happiness. It’s something you can’t chase but I believe there is a sort of formula.

Sometimes, life gets hectic and it can seem as if there’s never enough time to get everything done that needs doing, much less time to pause and reflect. But this week is all about reflecting.

On the quest to raising good humans, I realize that most people tend to use the holidays as a teachable time for kids. We encourage the need to do good for others who might have less than we do as we donate food, toys, money and help in our communities and beyond.

I’m 53 years old, and I’d never had anything even approaching a major surgery. Until last week, that is. I’ll spare you the details, but I underwent a laparoscopic procedure last Thursday, Nov. 10, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville.

Everyone has to find their own path. Our journey is the constant in our lives. Not everyone gets married, goes to college, has children, goes into the military, or holds a 9-to-5 job. But whatever you are doing, or choose to do, use your platform and bandwidth wisely.

Today, I would like to talk about celebrating our veterans and recognizing the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms. Veterans have a special place for me.

Inever served in the military. I came close at one time.

Today I would like to talk about how Arkansas is expanding health services for several populations with greater health needs through the state’s ARHOME program. In 2013, the Arkansas General Assembly passed the Health Care Independence Act, which established the use of expanded Medicaid coverage.

There’s an underestimated life skill that either makes or breaks a person’s trajectory in life. It can actually advance or end careers.

The other day in a conversation with friends at work, we were discussing life and how we wished we knew when we were young, what we know now. It got me to thinking how we fail to realize the importance of so many universal truths until later in life.