NIAGARA, Wis — The title of today’s column is most likely familiar to everyone. I am sure we grew up hearing it; whenever we were disappointed with an event in our lives, this was the advice given by our parents. And I am sure most of us repeated it to our own children. No one has a life free of problems and challenges so it is important to learn how to deal with them. If we do not learn how to make that proverbial lemonade, we run the risk of allowing life’s challenges to get the best of us. But, as we all know, accomplishing this is much easier said than done.

I think we can all agree that learning to effectively problem solve is one of the key lessons in life. The size of the challenge depends upon our age. I can remember that nap time was a huge problem for me when I was in kindergarten. We all had our own rug, and at the appointed time, we pulled those rugs out of the closet, found a space on the floor of the classroom, and took a little 15-minute nap. Not me, for I had more important things to do that could not be accomplished on a rug. I wanted to visit with the other kids. I wanted to play with the dolls or cook on the little stove in the playhouse. I tried to inch my way around the room, whispering to friends as I coasted by, but my teacher put a hasty end to that by sequestering me behind the piano. I soon learned that remaining quiet and following nap time rules kept me at least resting with my friends — if not visiting.

I also remember a very painful lesson about following rules that I learned in high school speech class. By the time I reached my sophomore year, I realized I should take speech to help me get over my fear of speaking in front of a group. I needed a lot of notecards as a crutch so the idea of giving a sales pitch without notes put the fear of God in me — yet, that was the assignment. I decided I would get around that requirement by writing notes on a small piece of paper that I could glue to the back of the shampoo bottle I was selling. I made it the exact size of the front label so it could not be seen by anyone but me. But the boy who sat in front of me noticed my eyes looking down at that bottle from time to time. When he asked to see the shampoo because he thought “he just might buy some for himself,” I knew I was busted. The embarrassment of being discovered was greater than any missed word in my pitch would have been. I followed the rules after that … but I also dropped the class at the end of first semester. Granted, it was not the best solution, but it helped me until I matured enough not to be so intimidated.

Certainly, the above examples are small challenges, but learning opportunities nonetheless. As we travel through our lives, aging and maturing along the way, those challenges grow to fit our stage of life. Finding the right spouse, finding a job and building a career, buying a first home, having and raising children, and losing jobs and loved ones are all hurdles along the journey that require decision making. Sometimes we make the wrong choices and hopefully learn from our mistakes so we do things better at the next opportunity. At other times, there are no solutions to discover, and we must learn to accept new circumstances and live a different way.

Disappointment is a part of life that arises when expectations are unmet, and everyone encounters them. No one has ever had a life completely free of disappointment. Those who understand this simple fact are the ones who will most likely deal most successfully with them. I did a simple Google search to see if there were steps to successfully dealing with disappointment, and I found the following list. Of course, by this stage of our lives, most of us could write our own list to be sure. But here goes, for what it is worth —

Step 1: Admit that the disappointment is real and know that it is healthy to accept it. It doesn’t mean you are weak. This may seem obvious, but it goes beyond feeling let down. It is important that we acknowledge the feeling — that sadness in our hearts and in the pit of our stomach. Trying not to think about what we are feeling will only make it come into our minds more. Whatever it is, it did happen and now we have a job to do; we must adjust.

Step 2: Acknowledge the feelings about whatever it was that caused the disappointment, whether it be another person’s actions or words or an event that did or did not happen the way it was expected. It is totally normal and predictable to have feelings of disappointment when something or someone fell short of our expectations. Everyone experiences these emotions. Ignoring them, or bottling them up, is unhealthy.

Step 3: Be kind to yourself. Being overly self-critical and “beating yourself up” psychologically and emotionally will do you no good at all. It will only add to your sadness and disappointment.

Step 4: Get perspective. Talk to friends and family about your disappointment to gain an outside and objective viewpoint and opinion. Ideally, this person should be a trusted friend or relative who may have had a similar disappointment and managed it successfully.

Step 5: Surround yourself with good people. This goes hand in hand with getting perspective. Choose people who know you well and know how to talk to you in a helpful and encouraging manner. You need support at this time, not criticism. You need validation of your feelings and help to achieve a positive mindset.

Step 6: Take care of yourself. There is only so much a friend or family member can do to help you. It is up to you to take the advice you are given. Also, make a point to exercise, eat well and sleep well during this stressful time. The last thing you need is a physical illness on top of your emotional upset.

At our more advanced years, most of us are beyond the disappointments that are common in younger people. We have reached our retirement years, found good spouses and raised our children. Any disappointments associated with life’s journey have already been met and managed in one way or another. What lies ahead of us yet, however, may be health issues with disappointing prognoses as well as dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. These are disappointments that do not go away with time. However, they can be managed. You can learn to remember a loved one in a way that doesn’t diminish your own health by savoring the memories of the happy times you spent together. If dealing with a chronic illness, seek professional help. Most hospitals have clergy or counselors who are trained to help patients cope.

A friend of mine gave me the following advice today. She simply said to remember: “Faith over fear.” I found these simple words of assurance to be very helpful so I am passing them along to you. Or in the words of my grandmother, “Whatever shall be, will be.”

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; Strong Tower Church, 1 p.m.; National Cupcake Day, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Honoring veterans, 10 a.m.; rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; have a sundae in the dining room, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; beach ball toss, 11 a.m.; happy hour for all, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Movie hour, 10 a.m.; crafts,1:30 p.m.

Thursday: National Pajama Day — all staff and residents wear your pajamas; Bible study, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: White board words, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search puzzle, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 9:45 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Sunshine Club, 9 a.m.; early bird bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; veterans program, 1 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; senior center,10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Hunters’ breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; Animal Kingdom, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; web browsing, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Dress like a hunter! Big Buck bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; deer hunting challenge, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/scavenger hunt, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Veterans Day celebration, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; ice cream social, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and tongue twisters, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; craft — a poppy is to remember, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Shopping outing, 8 a.m.; rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; Pictionary, 10:15 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; baking cookies, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; healing Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; bake pickle crackers, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 1 p.m.; silly crafters, ornaments, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Short stories, 10 a.m.; C&R happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; catch up on a show.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Group puzzle, 10 a.m.; coloring pages, 10:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident council, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise/chair yoga, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee 10:30 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 9:30 a.m.; Pastor Cathy, 10 a.m.; movies, 2 p.m.; room visits, 2:10 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; church services, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; tail gate, 1 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Decoration of Courage, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; pondering prompts, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; bunco, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; rock song charades, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation, Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; rock song charades, 11 a.m.; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation, exercise group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles, activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Wednesday: Chicken fettuccine alfredo, broccoli, garlic breadstick.

Thursday: Wet burrito, refried beans, cornbread.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pasty pie and stewed tomatoes.

Tuesday: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, broccoli.

Thursday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato wedges, cole slaw.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef tips over mashed potatoes.

Tuesday: Taco casserole with tortilla chips.

Wednesday: Lasagna with garlic bread.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, sausage, mini-croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, California blend vegetables, Jell-O with cranberries.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic French bread.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, sausage, mini-croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, California blend vegetables, Jell-O with cranberries.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic French bread.

Friday: Taco salad, fiesta corn, tortilla chips, salsa and sour cream, pudding.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Garlic parmesan fish, mashed potatoes, steamed peas.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, California blend vegetables, Jell-O with cranberries.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, sausage, mini-croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, California blend vegetables, Jell-O with cranberries.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Caesar salad (chicken, romaine, tomato, croutons, parmesan, Caesar dressing), whole wheat dinner roll, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken corn chowder, cornbread, salad, fruit.

Wednesday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, birthday cake.

Thursday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit, fruit pie.

Friday: Fish sandwich, sweet potato puffs, baked beans, spinach orange salad, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Open Wednesday and Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Swiss chicken with mushrooms over rice, vegetables, corn, fruit cup.

Tuesday: Hamburger casserole, seven-way mixed vegetables, corn, tropical fruit, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Turkey slice, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, whole wheat dinner roll, pumpkin bar.

Thursday: Western egg bake, red oven potatoes, muffin, fresh fruit.

Friday: Beef stew, biscuit, sweet potato wedges, applesauce.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Deluxe cheeseburger, baked macaroni and cheese, potato wedges.

Tuesday: Cheesy potato breakfast bake, turkey bacon, banana, cinnamon raisin toast.

Wednesday: Layered chicken casserole, cauliflower, croissant, pudding.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic breadstick.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Early serving — cheesy egg and Canadian bacon scramble, diced pears, cinnamon applesauce, fruit juice, granola bar.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork, twice-baked potatoes, carrots, peaches, wheat bread.

Thursday: Lasagna, mixed vegetables, spinach salad with tomatoes, garlic bread.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef stew with carrots and potatoes, biscuit.

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, tater barrels, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables (class reunion).

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, garlic bread, Brussel sprouts (birthdays and bingo).

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, Brussel sprouts, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup with vegetables, bread and butter, Jell-O with fruit, side salad.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, sausage, mini-croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, California blend vegetables, Jell-O with cranberries.